FAQs

Consolidating transit in Niagara would bring together independently operating local transit systems in Fort Erie, St. Catharines, Welland, and Niagara Falls, as well as Niagara Region Transit and NRT OnDemand, in order to offer consistent operating hours and fares, new digital payment technology, and better connections for riders across Niagara.

A consolidated transit model would contribute to the social and economic prosperity of Niagara in many ways. The proposed model builds in flexibility and a region-wide approach that would allow Niagara to:

• Create better access to jobs and services in Niagara, opening up new job options for residents in neighbouring municipalities, and new markets for businesses
• Protect our natural environment by providing residents with more sustainable and environmentally friendly public transit options, reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions
• Prepare Niagara for the future, by making sure our transit options can scale up to meet the needs of our growing population and job market
• Support the expansion and connectivity of GO Transit service to the region

The financial strategy recommends transferring all existing and incremental transit spending to the new commission, funded through a series of 12 special tax levies – one for each municipality. Existing local and future costs will be allocated to municipalities on the basis of service hours, ensuring communities are only charged for the services they receive.

Capital assets such as buses are anticipated to be transferred to the new proposed Commission. Leveraging previous capital investments will allow the Commission to deliver increased service into new areas of the region; which would have been costly for smaller municipalities to undertake within their municipalities to undertake within their municipal budgets.

On Nov. 25, Regional Council voted in favour of consolidating transit systems in Niagara. This approval was the first step in a required triple-majority process (section 189 of the Municipal Act, 2001). All of Niagara’s 12 local municipalities will also vote on the proposal. To move forward, a majority of those councils, representing a majority of Niagara's electors, must vote in favour of the plan.

Should triple-majority be achieved, the new Transit Commission will be created and would begin operation on January 1, 2023. In the interim, the existing transit systems would continue to operate and deliver service while the Region will take steps to ensure a smooth transition.

Earlier this fall, a public online survey also collected feedback from over 2,200 residents across Niagara. That survey showed strong support for the proposal, with over 79 per cent of respondents approving of the governance structure, financial model and service standards strategy that make up the proposal.

To get involved, you can become a delegate or have your letter included in your council’s meeting agenda, you must submit your written delegation request to Diana Kelley by Friday, Dec. 3 at noon. To learn more about becoming a delegate, or providing a letter of support, visit https://forterie.ca/pages/CouncilDelegation.