Suggestions

I have several suggestions. See below. Also see my comments in response to posts under “Buses for Each GO Train”, “No Bus Route from Farmstead to high school (Craig Kielburger)”. 

1. Route Review / Capacity Planning

Review of routes (and stops) should be done at least once in 2 years. Population distribution and demographics rapidly change, especially in growing “towns” like Milton. Capacity planning and optimal resource utilization should be flexibly in-line with such periodic reviews. Analysis and decisions must be "data driven".

2. Cashless Payment Options

Requiring exact change, especially in this day & age, is annoying and off-putting. Offer other options, such as Presto, visa / debit cards, prepaid Milton Transit cards, and payment “apps” thru smart phones. Besides ongoing convenience (and increased ridership), at least some of these options can also provide ongoing operating cost savings.

3. Customer Service / Experience

A) Provide riders with easy ways to “rate” their experience on any given day, together with brief comments (if any).

B) Provide convenient and effective ways to lodge complaints – by phone, email, website, mobile app; AND, transparently demonstrate action taken (to show responsiveness and customer care).

C) Provide real time information – at bus stops and through mobile apps. Note: Not all people (and age groups) use mobile apps.

D) Provide bus “shelters” (even if not all are heated during winters) at as many bus stops as possible

E) Ensure bus shelter signs are more clear & visible

4. Connectivity

Besides GO station, we need adequate public transit connectivity to ALL of Milton’s schools (and community colleges / university campuses), hospital(s), libraries, parks, recreational facilities (Leisure Centre, Sports Centre, Velodrome etc.), downtown, shopping places (E.g.: Milton Mall, grocery shops)

5. Integration with GO, Halton Region, Other Regions

Need meaningful integration with GO transit (buses / trains) and any new regional transit for Halton. At the end of the day, people need an efficient and affordable public transit option to get places within Milton, places in Halton (E.g.: Oakville, Burlington, Halton Hills), and others (E.g.: Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto).

6. Partnerships with Ride-Sharing Companies (Uber, Lyft etc.)