New signs point the way for Thunder Bay Transit passengers

Thunder Bay Transit says new signs are just the beginning of major changes ahead for the city’s bus service.

In an effort to improve customer service, Thunder Bay Transit recently upgraded its GPS system to help riders know when to expect their bus. Spokesperson John Hendel said some large signs with maps are now being erected to help passengers choose their route.

"The goal would be to launch it to every bay at the Water Street Terminal, the bays at City Hall Terminal, Intercity Shopping Centre, the college and university,” he said.

“Those are our major hubs for the city."

Bus drivers union spokesperson Sheila Kivisto said she’s pleased with the latest upgrades, but is still waiting for route changes — and a promised new central terminal.

"Some of the routes are struggling a little bit,” she said.

“We have a lot of students that ride the buses from the university and the college."

Hendel noted the announcement of the terminal location is pending.

"It's still in planning. We're hoping to move forward within the next year or so,” he said.

“We're eagerly awaiting this new route network, but there's a lot of planning in this. It's a slow process, unfortunately."

Hendel called the central terminal “the lynchpin of the project” that will improve transfers, offer improved customer amenities, and “really be the destination point for the community. Determining that point then really determines the route networks."

The last major overhaul of transit routes was almost 15 years ago.

Kivisto said the union usually has some input into most of the major changes made at transit.

The city’s Transit Master Plan has been in the works, in some form or another, for about five years.