Transit Windsor eyes new technology, new passes

Found money and a new revenue stream may have been identified by Transit Windsor.

First, the loss of a contract could translate to good news for bus riders.

The agreement to have Transit Windsor shuttle Caesars Windsor employees was not renewed late last year. It went to a private company.

That means $1.1 million Transit Windsor had earmarked to replace the shuttle buses is no longer needed.

General manager Penny Williams hopes to redirect that money to benefit riders.

"We are looking at asking city council to provide us some technology that would be able to engage our passengers a little bit more and we would have things like stop announcements and pre-boarding announcements," Williams said. "The vehicle locating devices ... would be able to tell where your next bus is and how long it will be coming to your stop."

Transit Windsor is also poised to take advantage of the International Children's Games in Windsor this August.

The board agreed to create a one-week, ride-all-you-want pass.

Director of operations, Pat Delmore, said the pass will offer visitors and Transit Windsor the opportunity to try something new.

"It gives them an opportunity to really see our city, to get out, whether they're doing some shopping or going out to some of the sights within our community," Delmore said. "As well, we're going to be using it as a pilot to see is it something that is going to work for us as a community, whether it's for conferences, whether it's for our own riders, having that flexibility of buying a one week pass may be exactly what someone needs."

There will be 2,500 created for the trial run and sold for $20 each.

All rides will also be eligible for gas tax funding based on increased ridership.