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GRT Business Plan

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Grand River Transit's business plan will provide a roadmap to guide transit investment priorities to 2030 and beyond. The GRT Business Plan builds on transit priorities identified through the Region’s Strategic Plan and Budget consultations. It will focus on how to make transit easier to use, where and when GRT can serve you better, and how and where GRT should prioritize frequency and speed.

There are three different pieces to the GRT Business Plan. Together, the plans will help make GRT the easy transportation choice across Waterloo Region.

Conventional Bus and Train Business Plan

  • Guide the expansion of conventional bus and train services, to ensure GRT can meet the needs of a rapidly-growing population and support the Region’s commitment to reducing community emissions.
  • The plan focuses on strategic transit priorities identified by riders, the community, GRT and the Region:
    • Frequency, Speed, Customer-driven innovation, Strategic new coverage, and Simple and intuitive transit
  • The following proposed investments would help achieve these strategic priorities:
    • Frequent transit network: Service every 10 minutes on weekdays, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., and every 15 minutes all other times, on 16 routes in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo
    • Strategic new coverage: Strategic expansion focused on new growth and industrial areas with streamlined routes for useful improvements to coverage
    • Consistent schedules: Enhance frequency to make schedules more consistent all-day, everyday, so more transit trips are more equitable and intuitive for more riders
    • Highway express: Introduce frequent and rapid single-seat service between Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, giving riders more time back in their day
    • Overnight network: Launch 24/7 service on key routes, with 30-minute overnight frequency supporting shift workers, students, and core areas
  • Learn more about the proposed transit investments

MobilityPLUS and Kiwanis Transit Business Plan

  • Guide the improvement and expansion of specialized transit services within Waterloo Region.
  • Key strategic priorities have been identified for the MobilityPLUS and Kiwanis Transit Business Plan:
    • Improve GRT’s capacity to meet growing trip requests
    • Continue to improve MobilityPLUS service and customer experience
    • Investigate technology solutions to improve service
    • Better understand customer needs and improve customer communication
    • Improve coordination between MobilityPLUS and Kiwanis Transit
  • Learn more about the MobilityPLUS Business Plan

Township Transit Strategy

Share your feedback

Updates

Subscribe to this project for updates as GRT prepares a final draft of the GRT Business Plan for public and Regional Council review in 2025.

Grand River Transit's business plan will provide a roadmap to guide transit investment priorities to 2030 and beyond. The GRT Business Plan builds on transit priorities identified through the Region’s Strategic Plan and Budget consultations. It will focus on how to make transit easier to use, where and when GRT can serve you better, and how and where GRT should prioritize frequency and speed.

There are three different pieces to the GRT Business Plan. Together, the plans will help make GRT the easy transportation choice across Waterloo Region.

Conventional Bus and Train Business Plan

  • Guide the expansion of conventional bus and train services, to ensure GRT can meet the needs of a rapidly-growing population and support the Region’s commitment to reducing community emissions.
  • The plan focuses on strategic transit priorities identified by riders, the community, GRT and the Region:
    • Frequency, Speed, Customer-driven innovation, Strategic new coverage, and Simple and intuitive transit
  • The following proposed investments would help achieve these strategic priorities:
    • Frequent transit network: Service every 10 minutes on weekdays, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., and every 15 minutes all other times, on 16 routes in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo
    • Strategic new coverage: Strategic expansion focused on new growth and industrial areas with streamlined routes for useful improvements to coverage
    • Consistent schedules: Enhance frequency to make schedules more consistent all-day, everyday, so more transit trips are more equitable and intuitive for more riders
    • Highway express: Introduce frequent and rapid single-seat service between Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, giving riders more time back in their day
    • Overnight network: Launch 24/7 service on key routes, with 30-minute overnight frequency supporting shift workers, students, and core areas
  • Learn more about the proposed transit investments

MobilityPLUS and Kiwanis Transit Business Plan

  • Guide the improvement and expansion of specialized transit services within Waterloo Region.
  • Key strategic priorities have been identified for the MobilityPLUS and Kiwanis Transit Business Plan:
    • Improve GRT’s capacity to meet growing trip requests
    • Continue to improve MobilityPLUS service and customer experience
    • Investigate technology solutions to improve service
    • Better understand customer needs and improve customer communication
    • Improve coordination between MobilityPLUS and Kiwanis Transit
  • Learn more about the MobilityPLUS Business Plan

Township Transit Strategy

Share your feedback

Updates

Subscribe to this project for updates as GRT prepares a final draft of the GRT Business Plan for public and Regional Council review in 2025.

Q+A

Ask your questions about the GRT Business Plan here.

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  • Share Can we make Bus 12 connect to University of Waterloo ION stop directly instead of stopping along University Avenue and forcing a long walk. on Facebook Share Can we make Bus 12 connect to University of Waterloo ION stop directly instead of stopping along University Avenue and forcing a long walk. on Twitter Share Can we make Bus 12 connect to University of Waterloo ION stop directly instead of stopping along University Avenue and forcing a long walk. on Linkedin Email Can we make Bus 12 connect to University of Waterloo ION stop directly instead of stopping along University Avenue and forcing a long walk. link

    Can we make Bus 12 connect to University of Waterloo ION stop directly instead of stopping along University Avenue and forcing a long walk.

    Badakchand asked 16 days ago

    There is no planned adjustment to Route 12 at this time. However, GRT continues to work with the University of Waterloo to explore access and infrastructure opportunities that can enhance connections between transit services at stops and stations serving campus.

  • Share Is GRT coordinating with Brantford and Brant County to explore interregional connections to Paris and Brantford? on Facebook Share Is GRT coordinating with Brantford and Brant County to explore interregional connections to Paris and Brantford? on Twitter Share Is GRT coordinating with Brantford and Brant County to explore interregional connections to Paris and Brantford? on Linkedin Email Is GRT coordinating with Brantford and Brant County to explore interregional connections to Paris and Brantford? link

    Is GRT coordinating with Brantford and Brant County to explore interregional connections to Paris and Brantford?

    MjjG asked 16 days ago

    Thanks for the question!

    GRT's Business Plan is focused on transit investments within the Region of Waterloo. 

    Ontario's Ministry of Transportation and/or Metrolinx generally lead inter-regional transportation plans and services. More information can be found here.

  • Share Is it possible to have free transit? No costs related to fare collection, less congestion on streets from people who really do not want to drive if service expands and becomes more frequent. Less road widening construction required could pay transit costs, maybe? I realize higher taxes are likely required requiring a promotional case for free transit. on Facebook Share Is it possible to have free transit? No costs related to fare collection, less congestion on streets from people who really do not want to drive if service expands and becomes more frequent. Less road widening construction required could pay transit costs, maybe? I realize higher taxes are likely required requiring a promotional case for free transit. on Twitter Share Is it possible to have free transit? No costs related to fare collection, less congestion on streets from people who really do not want to drive if service expands and becomes more frequent. Less road widening construction required could pay transit costs, maybe? I realize higher taxes are likely required requiring a promotional case for free transit. on Linkedin Email Is it possible to have free transit? No costs related to fare collection, less congestion on streets from people who really do not want to drive if service expands and becomes more frequent. Less road widening construction required could pay transit costs, maybe? I realize higher taxes are likely required requiring a promotional case for free transit. link

    Is it possible to have free transit? No costs related to fare collection, less congestion on streets from people who really do not want to drive if service expands and becomes more frequent. Less road widening construction required could pay transit costs, maybe? I realize higher taxes are likely required requiring a promotional case for free transit.

    Mark asked 9 days ago

    Thank you for the great question!

    As you mention, transit is never "free". If the service is free to ride it means the entire cost of the service and infrastructure is funded through taxes, which can make it challenging for transit to meet the needs of a growing community.

    GRT's fare strategy helps fund service expansions that make the network easier and more convenient for more people, generating more funds to offset the cost of future service expansions and support more riders. 

  • Share Is there any plan to create a student (specifically high school student) monthly pass? When I was a student in high school, there was a relationship between GRT and WRDSB/WCDSB to offer a subsidized pass to all students. I see you currently have arrangements for post-secondary but not for high school. I currently have 2 high school students, and their daily rate both ways is $6/kid. Or we could get them the $96 monthly pass. We’re not eligible for the Affordable Transit Program. I would love to know your plans to make this more affordable for families and to encourage more transit ridership among the kids. Thank you. on Facebook Share Is there any plan to create a student (specifically high school student) monthly pass? When I was a student in high school, there was a relationship between GRT and WRDSB/WCDSB to offer a subsidized pass to all students. I see you currently have arrangements for post-secondary but not for high school. I currently have 2 high school students, and their daily rate both ways is $6/kid. Or we could get them the $96 monthly pass. We’re not eligible for the Affordable Transit Program. I would love to know your plans to make this more affordable for families and to encourage more transit ridership among the kids. Thank you. on Twitter Share Is there any plan to create a student (specifically high school student) monthly pass? When I was a student in high school, there was a relationship between GRT and WRDSB/WCDSB to offer a subsidized pass to all students. I see you currently have arrangements for post-secondary but not for high school. I currently have 2 high school students, and their daily rate both ways is $6/kid. Or we could get them the $96 monthly pass. We’re not eligible for the Affordable Transit Program. I would love to know your plans to make this more affordable for families and to encourage more transit ridership among the kids. Thank you. on Linkedin Email Is there any plan to create a student (specifically high school student) monthly pass? When I was a student in high school, there was a relationship between GRT and WRDSB/WCDSB to offer a subsidized pass to all students. I see you currently have arrangements for post-secondary but not for high school. I currently have 2 high school students, and their daily rate both ways is $6/kid. Or we could get them the $96 monthly pass. We’re not eligible for the Affordable Transit Program. I would love to know your plans to make this more affordable for families and to encourage more transit ridership among the kids. Thank you. link

    Is there any plan to create a student (specifically high school student) monthly pass? When I was a student in high school, there was a relationship between GRT and WRDSB/WCDSB to offer a subsidized pass to all students. I see you currently have arrangements for post-secondary but not for high school. I currently have 2 high school students, and their daily rate both ways is $6/kid. Or we could get them the $96 monthly pass. We’re not eligible for the Affordable Transit Program. I would love to know your plans to make this more affordable for families and to encourage more transit ridership among the kids. Thank you.

    Jessie asked 13 days ago

    Thanks for the question! We appreciate your efforts to introduce your children to the indepence and convenience GRT offers!

    GRT's universal transit pass (U-Pass) program with the universities and colleges are based on financial and administrative commitments for universal student participation in exchange for unlimited transit rides at an affordable price. Through the agreements, all full-time students enrolled in university and college campuses in Waterloo Region pay U-Pass program fees. More information can be found here: www.grt.ca/students

    The GRT Business Plan's upcoming fare strategy will include an assessment of potential fare structures, products, and programs (including potential high school and youth fare programs or policies). 

    However, it is important to note that, similar to our U-Pass programs, any high school transit program will likely require financial and administrative commitments from the school board(s).

  • Share Was there consideration for connecting the Highway Express bus proposed to the downtown Kitchener transit hub in order to connect with intercity trains? on Facebook Share Was there consideration for connecting the Highway Express bus proposed to the downtown Kitchener transit hub in order to connect with intercity trains? on Twitter Share Was there consideration for connecting the Highway Express bus proposed to the downtown Kitchener transit hub in order to connect with intercity trains? on Linkedin Email Was there consideration for connecting the Highway Express bus proposed to the downtown Kitchener transit hub in order to connect with intercity trains? link

    Was there consideration for connecting the Highway Express bus proposed to the downtown Kitchener transit hub in order to connect with intercity trains?

    mattfr asked 16 days ago

    Thanks for the great question! 

    At this time the Highway Express proposal does not consider a stop at the current GO/VIA station or future transit hub.

    The proposed Highway Express is one of the best opportunities to improve the speed of trips between municipalities - a key priority we heard from current and potential riders. The goal is to use the high speed corridor (the highway network) as much as possible, with stops at key stations near the highway to provide connections to each community. 

  • Share With increased frequency on many of the routes, are there any plans to introduce reserved bus lanes, especially on university avenue between weber and westmount? Something like a BRT. on Facebook Share With increased frequency on many of the routes, are there any plans to introduce reserved bus lanes, especially on university avenue between weber and westmount? Something like a BRT. on Twitter Share With increased frequency on many of the routes, are there any plans to introduce reserved bus lanes, especially on university avenue between weber and westmount? Something like a BRT. on Linkedin Email With increased frequency on many of the routes, are there any plans to introduce reserved bus lanes, especially on university avenue between weber and westmount? Something like a BRT. link

    With increased frequency on many of the routes, are there any plans to introduce reserved bus lanes, especially on university avenue between weber and westmount? Something like a BRT.

    Zack Red asked 15 days ago

    Thank you for your question! 

    Yes - the GRT Business Plan will consider new transit-priority infrastructure on key corridors where possible to help prioritize frequency and speed improvements to improve travel times.

  • Share Are there any proposals to consider articulated buses on key routes such as the 7 or 8? on Facebook Share Are there any proposals to consider articulated buses on key routes such as the 7 or 8? on Twitter Share Are there any proposals to consider articulated buses on key routes such as the 7 or 8? on Linkedin Email Are there any proposals to consider articulated buses on key routes such as the 7 or 8? link

    Are there any proposals to consider articulated buses on key routes such as the 7 or 8?

    Verma asked 14 days ago

    Thanks for reaching out!

    Yes - articulated buses are being considered as the fleet expands. The GRT Business Plan will review, consider and prioritize strategic expansion of GRT services to help meet the needs of our growing community. This includes determining the best bus fleet options to achieve the plan.

  • Share Why do you not develop a bicycle /bus system in the region ? A system that moves bikes and riders directly from mall to mall to get riders across town fast then they can ride the rest of trip. I feel this would increase ridership, eliminate millions of dollars of infrastructure increase bicycle usage dramatically. If implemented properly i feel it could change the way people think of transit and cycling. on Facebook Share Why do you not develop a bicycle /bus system in the region ? A system that moves bikes and riders directly from mall to mall to get riders across town fast then they can ride the rest of trip. I feel this would increase ridership, eliminate millions of dollars of infrastructure increase bicycle usage dramatically. If implemented properly i feel it could change the way people think of transit and cycling. on Twitter Share Why do you not develop a bicycle /bus system in the region ? A system that moves bikes and riders directly from mall to mall to get riders across town fast then they can ride the rest of trip. I feel this would increase ridership, eliminate millions of dollars of infrastructure increase bicycle usage dramatically. If implemented properly i feel it could change the way people think of transit and cycling. on Linkedin Email Why do you not develop a bicycle /bus system in the region ? A system that moves bikes and riders directly from mall to mall to get riders across town fast then they can ride the rest of trip. I feel this would increase ridership, eliminate millions of dollars of infrastructure increase bicycle usage dramatically. If implemented properly i feel it could change the way people think of transit and cycling. link

    Why do you not develop a bicycle /bus system in the region ? A system that moves bikes and riders directly from mall to mall to get riders across town fast then they can ride the rest of trip. I feel this would increase ridership, eliminate millions of dollars of infrastructure increase bicycle usage dramatically. If implemented properly i feel it could change the way people think of transit and cycling.

    nottasheep asked 5 days ago

    Thanks for your thoughts! 

    At the same time that we're improving our transit service, GRT has invested in making it easier to combine walking and cycling with transit. For many years, GRT has built shared-use trails, sidewalks, and bike parking to, from, and at stations and stops system-wide thanks to federal and provincial transit integration funding opportunities. More information can be found here: www.grt.ca/PTIF

    Additionally, GRT works closely with transportation planning teams at the Region and all seven municipalities to better connect our active transportation network with transit stops and stations. Combined with our policies to allow bikes on ION trains and bus racks at all times, we are continuously improving the sustainable transportation network to make transit and bike travel easier and more efficient. 

  • Share Will there be a time in the near future where our fare cards will be on our mobile phones? on Facebook Share Will there be a time in the near future where our fare cards will be on our mobile phones? on Twitter Share Will there be a time in the near future where our fare cards will be on our mobile phones? on Linkedin Email Will there be a time in the near future where our fare cards will be on our mobile phones? link

    Will there be a time in the near future where our fare cards will be on our mobile phones?

    Bunnygirl asked 22 days ago

    Great question! Fare cards will not be uploaded to smartphones, but GRT is working on launching mobile payment options for more ways to pay for transit trips. 

    More updates on this project will be announced soon!

  • Share Will the Nov 12 Zoom webinar be available to watch afterwards, for those who aren't able to attend live? on Facebook Share Will the Nov 12 Zoom webinar be available to watch afterwards, for those who aren't able to attend live? on Twitter Share Will the Nov 12 Zoom webinar be available to watch afterwards, for those who aren't able to attend live? on Linkedin Email Will the Nov 12 Zoom webinar be available to watch afterwards, for those who aren't able to attend live? link

    Will the Nov 12 Zoom webinar be available to watch afterwards, for those who aren't able to attend live?

    skf asked 16 days ago

    Yes! We will have a recording posted to EngageWR. 

    Thanks!

Page last updated: 14 Nov 2024, 02:58 PM