The City of Thunder Bay is inviting residents to help shape the future of public transit through a new Transit Service Optimization Review. As part of this initiative, the City has launched a public survey to gather feedback and identify opportunities to improve transit services across the community.

The review will assess Thunder Bay's current transit network and services, with a focus on improving reliability, accessibility, efficiency, and the overall rider experience. Conducted in partnership with transit planning experts at Via Strategies, the six-month review will explore how transit can better respond to the evolving needs of residents, workers, students, and visitors.

"This is an exciting opportunity for residents to help shape transit in Thunder Bay," said Brad Loroff, Manager of Transit Services. "As our city grows and travel patterns change, we’re working to improve service, enhance accessibility, and build a more responsive system that meets the needs of our community. We encourage everyone to share their feedback."

Reliable, accessible public transit is essential to a growing, inclusive city, connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare, and community. Feedback from the Smart Growth Action Plan identified transit as a key community priority, with residents emphasizing the need for a more efficient, convenient, and responsive service.

This work directly supports Action Item 35 of Plan by addressing service gaps, optimizing routes, and enhancing the rider experience. It will strengthen connections to employment, support workforce mobility, and contribute to a more accessible, connected, and vibrant city, while advancing the key Smart Growth pillars of readiness, talent, and attraction.

Key areas of focus include reviewing the City's 20 conventional transit routes, evaluating Lift+ specialized transit services, exploring new service options such as on-demand microtransit, and identifying practical improvements through data analysis and community feedback.

All residents are encouraged to participate in the survey, whether they currently use public transit or rely on other modes of transportation such as driving, walking, or cycling. Community feedback will play a vital role in shaping recommendations and developing a practical, phased roadmap for future transit improvements.

To learn more about the Transit Service Optimization Review and to take part in the survey, visit: www.getinvolvedthunderbay.ca/transitserviceoptimizationreview

Hard copies of the survey are available at City Hall, the 55 Plus Centre and the Thunder Bay Public Library branches.  

 

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Contact:          Brad Loroff, Manager – Transit Services, 807-684-2187