Zehrs will help fund free fireworks shuttle
For those looking for transportation down to the riverfront during the annual fireworks night, Zehrs food stores announced Tuesday it will once again sponsor Transit Windsor service so spectators can ride for free.
A bus shuttle service from Devonshire Mall will begin at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 26, for the Ford Fireworks over the Detroit River.
Patrons will be transported from the mall and dropped off at City Hall Square where they can then make their way to the riverfront.
“This is the ninth year we have partnered with Zehrs,” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. “What they do is pay the costs for Transit Windsor, so folks can go to the mall, board a bus and it brings them right downtown.
“You avoid the traffic, don’t have to worry about parking and at the end there is a whole stream of buses so you don’t have to worry about getting home.”
Buses will continue to operate for the return trip after the fireworks as long as there are still passengers in need of a ride back to the mall, said Pat Delmore, executive director for Transit Windsor.
Zehrs and its three local locations are contributing a combined $15,000 this year toward costs for the shuttle service.
“What that does is pay for additional buses that are out there and recognizes all of our drivers (for the shuttles) will be on overtime that evening,” Delmore said.
There will be roughly 25 Transit Windsor buses used to transport those heading to and from the fireworks, he said.
“We have a process in place and it works really well,” Delmore said. “We know how to set it up and react.”