Free New Year Year’s Eve transit service to return
Wolfe Lawyers again sponsoring bus rides on the festive night
As a daily transit rider herself, newly minted city Coun. Kemi Akapo fully appreciates the value of the city’s public transportation system.
“It’s a safe, reliable way to get around town,” the city’s new transportation chairwoman said after announcing free New Year’s Eve bus and handi-van service will return for a fourth straight year thanks to a partnership with Wolfe Lawyers.
Service will be provided on all 12 regular routes with buses operating free of charge to riders between 7:20 p.m. on Dec. 31 and 3:20 a.m. on Jan. 1, Akapo announced Tuesday morning in front of a city bus parked at the Evinrude Centre.
New this year, the law firm is also sponsoring a free New Year’s Eve Family Skate at the Monaghan Road facility. The Atom Pad will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. and the Leon’s Pad from 6:15 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 31.
Since it was established in 2015, the free service has seen about 3,000 riders annually — a figure officials have hoped will grow to 4,000.
Kapo, who encouraged planning ahead and drinking responsibly, pointed out that the free service is for everyone and not just those who have been drinking.
“I would encourage everyone to take advantage of this great service,” she said, later highlighting how important public transportation is as part of efforts to make the city more accessible. “It just makes it easier to get around.”
The last bus will leave the downtown terminal at 2:40 a.m.
Handi-van service will operate during the same hours. Trip requests from eligible clients will be accepted until 12:20 a.m. Bookings are accepted on a first come, first served basis and riders wishing to travel at peak times are encouraged to reserve trips in advance.
The free service has seen about 3,000 riders annually since it was established in 2015, a figure officials have hoped will grow closer to 4,000.
Wolfe Lawyers president Bill Wolfe said the firm is “very proud and honoured” to continue the tradition and called the free skates a great idea, but not one he could take credit for. City staff approached him with the suggestion.
Both Akapo and Wolfe also praised city bus drivers for working the unenviable hours.
“I will be in bed when they are still driving buses,” he said.
NOTE: For hours of operation and route maps, visit www.peterborough.ca/transit .... Details will also be posted on the What’s New at Transit page as well as at the Simcoe Street terminal.