CR40/2020. Through this 8-year plan, transit riders will see a complete revamp of all Transit Windsor routes and improved service levels beginning in 2021. This Plan will provide passengers with more opportunities for taking the bus and will get them to their destination in less time. There is an expected increase in annual ridership with the implementation of this plan. An annual review will be completed on all routes, as part of the Plan, to ensure that passenger needs are being met and to make any route adjustments as necessary.

With City Council's approval to increase the service frequencies for Sunday service in 2020, Transit Windsor is expecting a positive impact on the ridership numbers. This service enhancement will provide current passengers with more opportunities for using transit and will provide a more positive experience overall. The increased service frequencies is also expected to attract non-transit users.

Risk Analysis:

It is important to monitor ridership numbers in the various categories, whether it is a pass, ticket or cash fare, to establish patterns and target groups of riders.

Further, monthly ridership reports allow Administration to forecast year-end variances for budget purposes.

Financial Matters:

Any increase in ridership will ultimately provide increased gas tax revenues in future years as the gas tax funding is based partly on ridership numbers. Windsor received $3,912,359 in Provincial Gas Tax funding for the 2018/2019 year. The amount of gas tax funding anticipated to be received for the 2019/2020 year is estimated at $4,754,000; however, this amount has not yet been released by the province at this time. Transit Windsor will also receive a minor increase for the 2020/2021 Provincial Gas Tax Program based on our 2019 ridership increase of 3%.

Consultations:

Jason Scott, Planning Supervisor for Transit Windsor

Rachel Chesterfield, Financial Planning Administrator, FPA for Transit Windsor

Conclusion:

Transit Windsor is very pleased with the 2019 increase in ridership as it is demonstrating that the service improvements put into place are meaningful and positive. The improvements to Sunday service frequencies should further increase ridership as it will be a more positive experience for existing passengers and an attractive option for non-transit users. Transit Windsor had a record increase in ridership in 2018 of 22% which was not only maintained throughout 2019, it continued to experience further increases, which demonstrates the benefits of service improvements. The approved Transit Master Plan will continue to enhance Transit Windsor's operations and further increase annual ridership for the entirety of the Plan.