St. Catharines councilors have voted to seek a consolidated transit system for the Niagara region.
The city, which has its own localized service, could soon join a system that would cover all 12 municipalities in the region.
“This is an important step in bringing years of work to fruition,” St. Catharines Managing Director David Oakes said in a statement after Wednesday’s vote.
“An integrated transit system will allow all Niagara citizens the opportunity to benefit from the extensive experience of existing transit providers, while better connecting our communities and fostering cooperation.”
Two weeks ago, the Niagara Regional Council voted to explore the possibility of combining its current service with those of St. Catharines, Fort Erie, Welland and Niagara Falls.
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The initiative would offer hours of operation, more consistent rates and a new digital payment technology.
“As we have heard from the community, a regionalized transit service will contribute to Niagara’s social and economic prosperity in many ways, while also supporting the fight against climate change by reducing our carbon footprint,” said the Mayor of St Catharines, Walter Sendzik. in launch.
Councilors for Fort Erie and Niagara Falls voted in favor of the merger at meetings Monday and Tuesday, respectively.
Welland city officials will vote Thursday, while Port Colborne and Grimsby councils will decide next week.
Niagara-on-the-Lake and Thorold are expected to have verdicts the week of December 19.
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Reference-globalnews.ca