Looking Forward 1990s-2017

Various conductors hats sitting on the hood of a car showing change in uniform through the years

As Thunder Bay Transit (TBT) entered into the 90s, another major study by a consulting firm was undertaken. In 1991, it was announced that TBT would implement changes to its bus system on Sunday, January 6 as recommended by the consulting firm Proctor & Redfern. City Council had passed the recommendation in July 1990. The major features were expanding service to the Balmoral area, doubling the service in the Neebing area and changes to several other routes. The first phase of changes took place in September 1990 with changes to the Hudson, County Park 5A and Jumbo Gardens (formerly Fassina) routes. A new Balmoral route was put into operation by January 6th as well as improvements to the Memorial 13 and Neebing 10 routes. The Arthur, Northwood, Walsh and North End routes also received some restructuring.

1992 marked 100 years of service for Thunder Bay Transit, and the City of Thunder Bay celebrated. After 100 years of providing public transportation to the citizens of the Lakehead, TBT was proud to report that they offered a safe, convenient and economical form of transportation that also happened to be environmentally friendly. With citywide routes and reliable, regularly scheduled stops, the bus provided a convenient alternative for travel to work, school, shopping and recreational facilities.

A line of seven Hagi-Transit buses sitting parked

A recession in the early 1990s and significant changes in the transit markets had a considerable effect in Thunder Bay, contributing to a steady decline in ridership until the end of the decade. Despite this decline, in 1994 it was announced that Thunder Bay would be getting seven million from Queen’s Park to buy new city buses and improve others in order to make them accessible to people in wheelchairs. With the funding, the City wanted to buy fifteen new buses, refurbish seven buses and replace the driver’s work area on twenty of the buses. The funding was reported to be also going towards an automated telephone answering system, garage repairs and equipment, and the purchase of five modified vans and hardware. Accessibility became a large focus for Thunder Bay Transit.

On February 16, 1995, new “Easier Access” Transit Coaches rolled onto the streets of Thunder Bay. Their leading edge design and technology from Canadian manufacturer New Flyer Industries of Winnipeg were unveiled at a ceremony in the transit garage on Fort William Road. The coach’s low floor design eliminated awkward steps at doorways, while wheelchair passengers boarded easily using the patented New Flyer ramp system. Each coach also offered two wheelchair positions to safely secure chair and rider during their journey. The new buses were not to replace HAGI Transit, but they did allow some HAGI passengers to be able to use the city’s transit system instead. The City announced that it would have fifteen of these new vehicles.

Ridership in general, however, would continue to decline in Thunder Bay until the end of the 1990s. In order to combat this, Thunder Bay Transit underwent another study by the consulting firm IBI Group in 1999. The study was titled the Transit Review Study - Transit Strategies and 2000 Service Plan. The Plan provided direction on restructuring Thunder Bay Transit’s routes and services as the basis for improving the performance of the transit system in 2000 and for positioning the transit system to meet the goals of higher ridership and lower costs over the following three years.

A newspaper headline details accessibility changes in the transit system

It was found that TBT operated in a large, diverse, low density environment that had become increasingly difficult to serve. It was also found that Thunder Bay Transit was providing too much service for the levels of demand in certain areas in the city and in the rural districts. In high demand urban areas, it was found that TBT was not providing enough service. In order for TBT to keep up with changing market conditions, specifically, the growth of travel, they needed a fundamental restructuring of the transit routes, otherwise ridership and the financial performance of the transit system would continue to decline and cause further downsizing of the transit system.

The goal was to restructure Thunder Bay Transit services and operations according to the needs of the market, the service standards that had been established by Council, and the fiscal priorities. The goal was to stop the decline in ridership while keeping costs at or below the present levels of the time over the following three years.

On June 22, 1999, the City held a public meeting to hear the opinions of citizens and it was found that, in general, residents of Thunder Bay seemed to want to see the transit system play a more vital and integrated part in the life of their city.

"TBT needed a fundamental restructuring of transit routes otherwise ridership and the financial performance of the transit system would continue to deteriorate and cause further downsizing of the transit system."

An aerial photograph taken above Fort William showing the Kam River and houses

The task of serving two previously established cities was taking its toll on TBT by the end of the 1990s. In most mid-sized transit systems, it was common for transit focal points like stations and terminals to exist in high activity locations and to facilitate transfers to other parts of the city. In Thunder Bay, the existing transit routes were focused on the two downtown centres of the two former cities, with full terminal facilities at both. Much of the new retail and other commercial activity in the city, however, were located in the intercity area, as were destinations such as Lakehead University and Confederation College.

An aerial photograph taken above the intercity area

By 1999, there was more overall travel demand to reach these locations but the transit system had not yet responded sufficiently with service, thereby missing out on new ridership potential. At the same time, there remained considerable activity in the two downtown centres, especially offices and institutions. Unlike the new commercial areas, the downtown centres had high densities, good pedestrian access, limited parking and traditional land uses, which were characteristics that typically had greater success at attracting transit riders. Because high travel demands existed from residential areas to both traditional downtown centres and the newer destinations in the intercity area, there remained a need for transit routes to continue to focus on the downtown as well as a need for better connections to the intercity and other areas.

The study also noted that the City’s bus terminals were each located a couple of blocks away from the busiest activity areas and their somewhat isolated locations resulted in security problems. The terminals were still needed however, as the high demand locations in Port Arthur and Fort William each needed transit focal points and convenient transfer facilities for patrons. The study advised that if a decision were made to get rid of one or both of the downtown terminals, an on-street focal point and transfer facility had the potential to work if done properly and carefully. To be successful, such a facility would have to include the following:

  •  sufficient curb space to accommodate several buses meeting at any given time to transfer passengers.
  • a layout that would allow all or most passengers to transfer without having to cross a street with significant volumes.
  • good facilities to allow for comfortable transfers and waiting, including shelters, lighting and location in an open and active area where security would not be a problem.
  • passenger amenities such as route and schedule information, ticket and pass outlets, which could be in a storefront operation, either a transit facility or contracted out to, say, a convenience store or other retail outlet.
  • washrooms for drivers.
A bus sitting out front of city hall waiting for passengers

Although the terminals remained for a number of years after the study concluded, in 2010 the City began construction of the new consolidated courthouse where the Brodie Street terminal stood previously. The decision was made to move the transit hub temporarily in front of City Hall on Donald St., and it was later decided that this location would remain the permanent Transit focal point for the South Core. When comparing the City Hall location with the recommendations of the study done in 1999, it is clear that the location is very desirable for Transit activity as it meets relatively all of the criteria for an outdoor focal point and transfer area. From the 2000 Service Plan, the City implemented a number of changes to routes, fares and scheduling, many of the changes made to the routes in 2000 are still active in the system today.

a man looking at a computer screen with a map of Thunder Bay Transit routes pulled up

By 2003, the changes that the 1999 study recommended were beginning to show their benefits. Ridership was up to 2.8 million from 2.6 million in 2002. Transit officials credited the increase to the new runs and stops that were put in, the increase in routes to Fort William First Nation, as well as an increase in students attending Lakehead University and Confederation College. Additionally, the skyrocketing cost of automobile insurance and high gasoline prices were credited with having pushed more people to use the transit system.

2007 marked Thunder Bay Transit's 115 years of service, and the transit department celebrated with a large inaugural celebration for the City's "100% Accessible" buses. The celebration also had two Brill Trolley buses, recently restored by the organization Buddies of the Brill, on display and the Transit garage was opened for a large gathering of celebration attendees. In 2007, as well, GPS equipment was installed on over a dozen of TBT’s buses. The tracking information was installed in order to help transit officials plan the timing of routes. The information would then be relayed to the digital screens at major bus stops to let those waiting know how long it would take the next bus to arrive. Electronic counters above bus doors were also installed to let planners know how many bus riders got on and off at various stops, allowing them to build more time into the schedule for busier stops. The technological improvements were anticipated to help increase ridership and funding and also create more efficient transit operation.

In 2014, the City officially took over HAGI Transit service. Council voted to make accessible transit - a service that was previously contracted to HAGI - a part of the city’s transit department. Accessible Transit within TBT was renamed Lift+ and remains an essential part of the transit system today.

Find more information on accessible transit and its history within Thunder Bay Transit!

Further technological advancements were introduced in 2013 when Thunder Bay Transit introduced their partnership with Google Transit. With Google Transit, users were given the ability to plan a trip using public transportation through Google maps. Google Transit combines TBT planning and scheduling data with Google maps to create quick and detailed itineraries, a service that is particularly helpful for tourists and those unfamiliar with bus schedules in the city.

A white Lift bus sitting outside awaiting use

In 2015, Thunder Bay Transit added more changes to their bus routes to attract more users. The biggest change was to the East End route, which previously left City Hall to travel to the East End then head to the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and back to City Hall. Routes were supposed to have at least two connection points but the East End route did not connect with any other routes, only travelling in a loop. During a public consultation, East Enders made it known that they wanted a connection point at Intercity Shopping Centre, which TBT provided. The Northwood route was altered as well for the new Hogarth Manor that was being built on Lillie St. A number of other service improvements were created with small changes to a number of different routes to ensure Thunder Bay Transit’s efficiency. In 2016, City Hall was confirmed to be the permanent location for the South Core transit hub, and plans to build a permanent terminal elsewhere were abandoned.

2017 marks 125 years of service in Thunder Bay. As Thunder Bay Transit moves forward into its next century of public service, the innovations and changes to come are welcomed. Over its first 125 years TBT has proven itself to be adaptable to an evolving Canadian society. From its small beginning as a street railway to connect Port Arthur to the major CPR activity in Fort William, to undergoing a number of major restructurings in order to service an area that was once two separate cities with surrounding municipalities, Thunder Bay Transit has persisted to provide reliable, convenient and environmentally friendly service to this diverse Northern municipality. By announcing in 2017 that twenty-one new public transit projects are slated to go ahead in the city, Thunder Bay Transit has shown that it is committed to maintaining and improving its exceptional service for years to come.

For more information on the future of Thunder Bay Transit please see:

Active Transportation Plan

a bus driver sitting in the driver's seat of a bus

Title: Fare Policy 2nd Shoot
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of a bus driver sitting in the driver's seat of a bus
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA P048 Accession: 2015-10-012

 

A man sitting in front of a microphone holding a pen

Title: Transit Operations
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photo of an office employee hard at work
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA P048 Accession: 2015-10-146

 

A man turning towards the camera and smiling

Title: Staff Photos
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photo of a TBT employee
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA P048 Accession: 2015-10-184

 

A man turning and smiling at the camera while inspecting buses

Title: Santa Bus 2010
Date: 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photo of a TBT worker in the Transit garage
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8605 Accession: 2015-10-260

 

A person holding balloons facing the camera as a woman laughs with her back to it

Title: Canada Day
Date: 2007
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph bus decorators laughing
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8605 Accession: 2015-10-364

 

A person standing and pointing while wearing ribbons on her ears

Title: Canada Day
Date: 2007
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of a TBT employee laughing
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8605 Accession: 2015-10-365

 

A bus that is decorated in red and white with Happy Canada Day on the front

Title: Canada Day
Date: 2007
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of the Canada Day bus
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8605 Accession: 2015-10-381

 

A transit driver sitting on a bus in the driver seat smiling at the camera

Title: Canada Day
Date: 2007
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of a TBT driver driving the Canada Day bus
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8605 Accession: 2015-10-388

 

A bus decorated in red, green and white says Merry Christmas on its sign

Title: Christmas Parade
Date: November 18, 2006
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of the bus decorated by the Le Stelle Alpine Performing Arts Association
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8605 Accession: 2015-10-415

 

Two people standing and smiling at the camera in a garage

Title: City Transit 115 Bday 100% Accessible Buses
Date: March 2007
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Morris Waywenko (Retired City Transit Mechanic & Cousin to Judy Ross)
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8605 Accession: 2015-10-435

 

A group of people both standing and seated in wheelchairs pose in front of a trolley

Title: City Transit 115 Bday 100% Accessible Buses
Date: March 2007
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Ralph Lund, Ron Ross, Al Buchan, Terry Lynch, back: Lenora, Alex Grant, Judy Ross, Nancy Buchan
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8605 Accession: 2015-10-439

 

A group of people both seated and standing listen to a presentation

Title: City Transit 115 Bday 100% Accessible Buses
Date: March 2007
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Paula & Dave Koivisto, Ralph Lund
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8605 Accession: 2015-10-444

 

One man standing, while another is seated in a wheelchair in front of a bus

Title: City Transit 115 Bday 100% Accessible Buses
Date: March 2007
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Alex Grant and Ron Ross
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8605 Accession: 2015-10-463

 

A man standing beside a bus with flags behind him in a garage

Title: City Transit 115 Bday 100% Accessible Buses
Date: March 2007
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Alex Grant
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8605 Accession: 2015-10-511

 

A man wearing glasses sitting behind a desk in a large chair

Title: Staff Photos
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Alex Grant
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-543

 

a man standing looking down wearing a blur cardigan and blue tie

Title: Staff Photos
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of a TBT employee
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-544

 

A person sitting in a white City of Thunder Bay pickup truck in front of the transit building

Title: Misc. Transit Photos
Date: (c.1990s-2000s)
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of a TBT employee waving to the camera from the driver's seat of a city vehicle in front of the Thunder Bay Transit and Central Maintenance Building
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-680

 

A group of men and women standing together smiling at the camera

Title: Misc. Transit Photos
Date: (c.1990s-2000s)
Creator: Unknown
Description: Group Photo
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-684

 

Two people, one sitting and one standing smiling for the camera in an office

Title: Misc. Transit Photos
Date: (c.1990s-2000s)
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of two TBT employees smiling at the camera
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-688

 

A man sitting facing the camera and smiling at a desk in an office

Title: Misc. Transit Photos - Don Wolframe
Date: (c.1990s-2000s)
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Don Wolframe
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-689

 

A group of people standing in front of a building

Title: Misc. Transit Photos
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Group photo of transit drivers
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-697

 

A group of transit drivers standing in front of a bus - black and white

Title: Misc. Transit Photos
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Group photo of transit drivers. Roadeo 82 is written beneath the photo
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-698

 

A group of men and women standing and posing for a photo

Title: Misc. Transit Photos
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Group photo
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-699

 

Two men standing and looking at the camera while shaking hands, one holds a shirt

Title: Misc. Transit Photos
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of two individuals shaking hands. The date stamp is visible on the left side. 
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-700

 

two individuals, one handing the other a card and they are shaking hands

Title: Misc. Transit Photos
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of two individuals, one is handing the other a card and they are shaking hands.
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-701

 

Two men sitting side by side and smiling at the camera

Title: Misc. Transit Photos
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Alex Grant with an unidentified gentleman
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-704

 

A group of transit employees sitting and standing on a bus looking out the back

Title: Transit Roadeo
Date: 1989
Creator: (photographer: Sari Luoma)
Description: "Anxiously Watching and waiting"
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files 
Location: Accession: 2015-10-804

 

A woman sitting at a desk wiping her hands with a towel and wearing large glasses

Title: Staff Photos - Employee of the Month
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Diane Adams
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-840 

 

A woman sitting and turning towards the camera smiling

Title: Staff Photos - Employee of the Month
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Marilyn Lee
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-843

 

a woman standing and facing the camera while smiling

Title: Staff Photos - Employee of the Month
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Debbie Logan
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-844

 

A man sitting at the desk writing while he turns to the camera and smiles

Title: Staff Photos - Employee of the Month
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Don Arnold
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-845

 

A man sitting and turning towards the camera smiling, he has large glasses

Title: Staff Photos - Employee of the Month
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Lloyd Reilly
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-848

 

A woman standing and looking at the camera, wearing a jacket and has curly hair

 Title: Staff Photos - Employee of the Month - Inspectors
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Roxanne Clowes
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-850

 

A man wearing a buttoned shirt, tie and glasses sits and smiles at the camera in an office

Title: Staff Photos - Employee of the Month - Inspectors
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Bill White
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-852

 

a man standing holding a clipboard and wearing a jacket smiling at the camera

Title: Staff Photos - Employee of the Month - Operators
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Darren Bush
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-861

 

A woman with curly brown hair standing and smiling at the camera

Title: Staff Photos - Employee of the Month - Operators
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Joanne Dejardins
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-866

 

A woman wearing a jacket who has short hair standing and smiling at the camera

Title: Tillie Zimmerman
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Tillie Zimmerman
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Unknown  Accession: 2015-10-923

 

A woman sitting at a desk and smiling towards the camera in an office

Title: Staff Photos
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of a TBT staff member
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-931

 

A man sitting reading a document at his desk in an office

Title: Staff Photos
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of a TBT staff member at his desk
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-932

 

Two people standing side by side and smiling at the camera

Title: Staff Photos
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of a TBT staff members
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-933

 

A woman talking on the phone while looking at the camera in an office

Title: Staff Photos
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of a TBT staff member at her desk
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-934

 

A man turning in his seat and smiling while seated at a desk with a computer

Title: Staff Photos
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of a TBT staff member at his desk
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-935

 

A man turning in his seat to look at the camera while on the phone in an office

Title: Staff Photos
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of a TBT staff member at his desk
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-938

 

a man standing turned away but smiling back at the camera in an office

Title: Staff Photos
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of a TBT staff member
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-939

 

Two men standing beside each other with one man handing the other a shirt

Title: Staff Photos - Employee of the Month
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Alex Grant awarding Jim Foley employee of the month
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-940

 

Two people shaking hands, while one holds something in his other hand

Title: Staff Photos - Employee of the Month
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Fred LaFroye being awarded employee of the month
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-947

 

Two men stand shaking hands, one holding a gift in his other hand

Title: Staff Photos - Employee of the Month
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Dan Ogima being awarded employee of the month
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-948

 

A group of people standing facing the camera and smiling in an open room

Title: Staff Photos - Employee of the Month
Date: Unknown
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Charlene Hupka being awarded employee of the month
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-953

Santa sitting on a Harley Davidson motorcycle

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa sitting on a Harley Davidson motorcycle with his two helpers standing behind them
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: 8605 Accession: 2015-10-238

 

Newspaper photo of Transit Driver Jim Foley dressed up as Santa on Christmas Eve 1997

Title: Santa Bus
Date: 1997
Creator: The Chronicle Journal
Description: Newspaper photo of  Transit Driver Jim Foley dressed up as Santa on Christmas Eve 1997
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: 8532-01

 

Santa standing in the doorway of a bus with a young elf beside him

Title: Santa Bus
Date: 2004
Creator: The Chronicle Journal
Description: Newspaper article showing Santa on the holiday bus
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: 8531-01

 

a transit employee driving the Santa bus with his Santa cap on

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of a transit employee driving the Santa bus with his Santa cap on
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-185

 

Santa sitting on the bus with a person wearing a santa hat beside him

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa and his helper
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-186

 

Santa sitting on a bus with a person sitting on his lap and pointing towards him

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa and his helper
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-187

 

Santa sitting on a bus with a man wearing a snata hat seated a few rows ahead

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa and his helper
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-188

 

Santa sitting by himself on a bus decorated with snowflakes and garland

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa on the bus
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-190

 

Santa standing in front of a bus with a 'Santa Bus' sign gesturing at the driver

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa in front of the Santa Bus
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-191

 

Santa with a group of city employees in an office

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa with a group of city employees
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-196

 

Santa with a group of city employees in an office

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa with a group of city employees
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-198

 

Santa with a three Thunder Bay citizen in front of the Santa Bus

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa with  three Thunder Bay citizens infront of the Santa Bus
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-200

 

Santa with two city employees showing off the full donation bin

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa with two city employees showing off the full donation bin
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-201

 

Santa, his helper, and two others showing off the full donation bin in City Hall

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa, his helper, and two others showing off the full donation bin in City Hall
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-202

 

Santa, his helper, and two others showing off the full donation bin in City Hall

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa, his helper, and two others showing off the full donation bin in City Hall
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-203

 

Santa and his helpers in front of the Christmas tree

Title: Santa Bus Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa and his helpers in front of the Christmas tree at City Hall with multiple donation bins under the tree
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-204

 

Santa, his helper and two others in the doorway of the Santa Bus

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa, his helper and two others in the doorway of the Santa Bus
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-205

 

Santa and a man in an orange safety vest

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa and a civilian
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-206

 

Santa and a woman wearing a hat and jacket

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa and a civilian
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-207

 

Santa outside city hall, a light dusting of snow covers the ground

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa in front of City Hall
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-210

 

Santa visiting residents at one of the city's homes for the elderly

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa visiting residents at one of the city's homes for the elderly
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-216

 

Santa visiting residents at one of the city's homes for the elderly

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa visiting residents at one of the city's homes for the elderly
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-217

 

Santa and his two helpers with mayor Keith Hobbs

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa and his two helpers with Mayor Keith Hobbs
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-240

 

Santa and two Thunder Bayites enjoying their cups of coffee

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa and two Thunder Bayites enjoying their cups of coffee
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-242

 

Santa visiting residents at one of the city's homes for the elderly

 Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa visiting residents at one of the city's homes for the elderly
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-244

 

multiple full donation bins aboard the Santa Bus

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of multiple full donation bins aboard the Santa Bus
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-254

 

multiple full donation bins in the Transit garage

Title: Santa Bus
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of multiple full donation bins in the Transit garage next to the Santa Bus at the end of the night.
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA8605 Accession: 2015-10-258

 

Santa driving a city bus with a helper jingling bells beside him

Title: Misc. Transit Photos
Date: (c.1990s)
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa driving a city bus with a helper jingling bells beside him
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-683

 

a cut out of Santa in a corner in front of a chalkboard.

Title: Misc. Transit Photos
Date: (c.1990s)
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of a cut out of Santa in a corner in front of a chalkboard. A banner that reads "HO! HO! HO! Thank you for your contribution to the Santa Bus" is on the wall behind. Non-perishable food items are stacked at the feet of Santa.
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-685

 

Santa in front of a bus with his helper

Title: Misc. Transit Photos
Date: (c.1990s)
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa in front of a bus with his helper holding donated food items. The bus reads, "Merry Christmas"
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-686

 

Santa in front of a bus with his helper holding donated food items.

 Title: Misc. Transit Photos
Date: (c.1990s)
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Santa in front of a bus with his helper holding donated food items. Three others are standing with them. The bus reads, "Merry Christmas"
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-687

An orange banner overlaid with a green circular logo with a gold maple leaf

In 2001, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 966 approached Thunder Bay City Council to purchase two Brill Trolley buses that had been sitting in a scrap yard in Richmond B.C. Their plan was to buy the trolleys and restore them to their original exterior colours, one for the Fort William system and one for Port Arthur.

The city gave the Union $12,000 dollars to purchase and transport the trolleys, which was completed in 2001 as the first phase of the project. The second restoration phase was completed in 2007 and both Trolleys were shown as part of Thunder Bay Transit's 115th Anniversary. The final phase of locating a home for a permanent display began thereafter and as of 2017 is still underway. From this project the non-profit organization Buddies of the Brill was created and this organization continues to advocate for the rich transit history that Thunder Bay has to offer.

A red and white bus with a Port Arthur sign on the top

By 2014, it had been over forty years since the Brill Trolley buses were taken off the roads in Thunder Bay. Buddies of the Brill was in their final phase of their Trolley project and the organization called for a transportation museum in Thunder Bay. They also wanted City Council to consider the creation of a transportation heritage committee whose focus would be on the development of the proposed transportation museum.

The Committee was established a year later, while The Buddies of the Brill became incorporated with the Thunder Bay Railway Historical Society and expanded their preservation efforts to the caboose at Marina Park and the Via train at Kam River Park. In 2016, the Heritage Transportation Committee began appointing board members for the future Lakehead Transportation Museum.

For more information please visit the Buddies of the Brill website.

A sheet of pink tickets designated for adults

Title: Adult ticket strip
Date: 1992
Creator: City of Thunder Bay
Description: Adult tickets for Thunder Bay Transit
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8561-14

 

A single blue ticket labeled for an adult

Title: Adult ticket
Date: 1992
Creator: City of Thunder Bay
Description: Adult tickets for Thunder Bay Transit
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8561-14

 

An orange sheet of senior citizen designated tickets

Title: Senior Citizen ticket strip
Date: 1992
Creator: City of Thunder Bay
Description: Senior citizen tickets for Thunder Bay Transit
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8561-14

 

A pink and beige strip of student designated tickets

Title: Student ticket strip
Date: 1992
Creator: City of Thunder Bay
Description: Student tickets, front and back, for Thunder Bay Transit
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8561-14

 

A ticket detailing the conditions of transfer from one bus to the nextA ticket detailing the conditions of transfer from one bus to the next

Title: Thunder Bay Transit Transfers
Date: 1992
Creator: City of Thunder Bay
Description: Transfers for Thunder Bay Transit
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8561-14

 

A bus hoisted in the air on two poles in a garage

Title: Transit - Special Services
Date: (c.1990s)
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photo of bus raised up on poles in a garage. A man is underneath the bus working on it.
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA P048, Accession: 2015-10-069

 

Three transit driver hats sitting on the hood of a teal car

Title: Transit - Special Services
Date: (c.1990s)
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photo of three transit uniform hats
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA P048, Accession: 2015-10-071

 

a bus parked beside a snow bank. The front of the bus says, "Memorial Ave. 13"

Title: Transit Operations
Date: (c.1990s)
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photo of a bus parked beside a snow bank. The front of the bus says, "Memorial Ave. 13"
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA P048, Accession: 2015-10-091

 

a man standing beside a bus driver's side window talking to a bus driver inside of the bus.

Title: Transit Operations - Inspection
Date: (c.1990s)
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photo of a man standing beside a bus driver's side window talking to a bus driver inside of the bus.
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA P048, Accession: 2015-10-150

 

A bus sitting parked with an accesible ramp open and on the floor

Title: City Transit 115 Bday 100% Accessible Buses
Date: March 2007
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Nova Bus 147
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8605, Accession: 2015-10-442

 

Official Dignitaries getting ready for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies

Title: City Transit 115 Bday 100% Accessible Buses
Date: March 2007
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of Official Dignitaries getting ready for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8605, Accession: 2015-10-460

 

A group of people stand in front of a bus with a ramp and a ribbon is cut

Title: City Transit 115 Bday 100% Accessible Buses
Date: March 2007
Creator: Unknown
Description: Mayor Lynn Peterson cuts the ribbon
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8605, Accession: 2015-10-461

 

A man in a wheelchair being shown a pre-1970s orange and white bus

Title: City Transit 115 Bday 100% Accessible Buses
Date: March 2007
Creator: Unknown
Description: Other photos from ceremony
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8605, Accession: 2015-10-469

 

A crowd of people sitting in a room listening to speeches

Title: City Transit 115 Bday 100% Accessible Buses
Date: March 2007
Creator: Unknown
Description: Other photos from ceremony
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8605, Accession: 2015-10-494

 

A group of people looking at a restored orange and white bus

Title: City Transit 115 Bday 100% Accessible Buses
Date: March 2007
Creator: Unknown
Description: Other photos from ceremony
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8605, Accession: 2015-10-501

 

A group of people looking at a restored red and white trolley bus

Title: City Transit 115 Bday 100% Accessible Buses
Date: March 2007
Creator: Unknown
Description: Other photos from ceremony
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8605, Accession: 2015-10-505

 

A group of people posing in front of a new accesible bus

Title: City Transit 115 Bday 100% Accessible Buses
Date: March 2007
Creator: Unknown
Description: Other photos from ceremony
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8605, Accession: 2015-10-507

 

Several people sitting on a bus going down the street

Title: Misc. Transit Photos
Date: (c. 1990s-2000s)
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of a group riding on a bus
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-673

 

Buses lined up in a garage with one open at the back with engine exposed

Title: Misc. Transit Photos
Date: (c. 1990s-2000s)
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph of five people walking past a row of buses in the transit garage
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-675

 

An aerial photo of the Thunder Bay Transit bus depot, solar panels on the roof

Title: Thunder Bay Transit Building
Date: 2013
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photograph showing the Solar Photovoltaic Installation on the Transit building on Fort William Road
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-962

 

A newspaper clipping with a photo of a man working on an engine

Title: "Transit Buses get Engine Overhaul"
Date: 1994
Creator: Chronicle Journal
Description: Newspaper article detailing transit buses getting engine work done
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8529-01

 

A newspaper article declares that TB transit will be getting new buses

Title: "New Buses for TB Transit"
Date: 1995
Creator: Thunder Bay Post
Description: Newspaper article detailing the new "Easier Access" transit coaches.
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files

 

A newspaper article showing a man helping another person on a bus in a wheelchair

Location: TBA 8529-01
Title: "A Giant Step Forward"
Date: 1995
Creator: The Chronicle Journal
Description: Newspaper article detailing the unveiling of new low-floor buses which would provide easier access for all riders.
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files

 

A newspaper clipping stating that the drivers are the best part of transit

Location: TBA 8529-01
Title: "Drivers Best Part of Transit Service"
Date: 2003
Creator: The Chronicle Journal
Description: Newspaper article praising the role of transit drivers in positive customer experience with TBT
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8531-01

 

A newspaper article detailing the rise in transit use

Title: "Transit Use Increasing"
Date: 2003
Creator: The Chronicle Journal
Description: Newspaper article detailing the increase in transit use and the increased rate of auto insurance
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8531-01

 

A newspaper article showing a photo of two people affixing a sign to the front of a bus

Title: "Buswoman's Holiday"
Date: 1993
Creator: The Chronicle Journal
Description: Newspaper article announcing the marriage of two TBT employees
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8529-01

 

A newspaper article with a photo of a man standing in the door of a trolley

Title: "Trolleys to Become Showpieces"
Date: (c.2000s)
Creator: The Chronicle Journal
Description: Newspaper article announcing provincial funding allocation
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: TBA 8531-01

 

A bus decorated with blue, pink, purple and green paint

Title: Art Bus
Date: 2015
Creator: Unknown
Description: Photo of the Art bus painted by members of the Satellite Studio Artist Collective; Artists: Carol Kajorinne, Sam Shasahabi, Marianne Kyryluk, and Riaz Mehmood.
Series: 456, Transit Operational Files
Location: Accession: 2015-10-1013

Contact Us

City Hall:
500 Donald Street E, P.O. Box 800
Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5K4
City Hall: (807) 625-2230
TTY: (807) 622-2225

Sign up to our News & Notices

Stay up to date on the City's activities, events, programs and operations by subscribing to our News & Notices

Sign Up Today!