Six Nations, Ont., looking at how to bring public transit system to First Nations community

Dawn Farmer owns Hill's Grocery in Ohsweken, Ont., a gas station and convenience store where many drivers stop by to fuel up. It's also common to see people walk, ride a bike or use ATVs, she says. 

There's one thing Farmer doesn't see — people using public transit.

That's because Six Nations of the Grand River, the most populous First Nations community in Canada, doesn't have a public transportation system.  

"Some people have to use taxis, which is more expensive than just a bus ride would be," Farmer said. 

She is among those in the community who would support a public system. "It could even be good for when people have to do banking and for elders if they have errands to run and [have] no ride," she said. 

Six Nations Public Works is currently conducting a survey "to confirm the need for transit and identify what's important" when designing a service, it says. 

The findings "will be used to provide direction on future grant applications and identify plans that will allow Six Nations to provide a public transportation service," the department says. 

Survey closes Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. 

The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and has a range of questions to identify needs of community members — such as the times of day people might use transit, locations on reserve people would like to see service to and if having service to surrounding areas, such as Brantford, Hagersville, Simcoe and Hamilton, would be beneficial. 

It is also out to find out what transit might be used for — work, school, doctor appointments, shopping or socializing. 

The survey is open to all Six Nations members, on and off reserve, whether they drive or not. It is anonymous (though there are gift card prizes that would require leaving contact information). 

It can be done through an online link or scanning a QR code located on the department's website or fliers, or by picking up a paper copy at the Six Nations Public Works at 1953 4th line. 

It closes for input on Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. 

Local transportation options limited

Six Nations has 25,660 registered members and about 12,000 people living on reserve. 

The community encompasses over 46,500 acres and cities closest to it are Hamilton, around 40 km away, and Brantford, around 20 km away. 

With its size, the lack of public transportation leaves community members who don't drive or do not have access to vehicles to rely on other modes of transportation, such as taxis — which can become quite costly — asking family members for rides, car pooling, walking or riding a bike. 

There are two taxi services in community. One of them, Six Nations Taxi, told CBC Hamilton they will take anyone anywhere they want to go.  

Brant Taxi, based in Brantford, said it can only drop off in Six Nations but can't pick up from there, as they are not licensed to do so. The company suggested residents take Six Nations Taxi up to Brantford and then Brant Taxi to go back home . 

A 13 km ride with Brant Taxi from Brantford to Six Nations costs around $40 dollars, the company said.