GO bus to stop in Six Nations, Mississaugas of the Credit, 1st Metrolinx route to reach First Nations

Members of Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation are welcoming news that a GO bus route will soon make stops in both First Nations for the first time. 

"I am beyond thrilled to know that for the very first time in the history of our community, we have access to public transportation," elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill of Six Nations of the Grand River said in a news release Monday.

"Our First Nation members will be able to attend more of the community events we offer and more importantly, to visit and remain connected to the First Nation," said Claire Sault, elected Chief of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN).

Ontario's transportation agency, Metrolinx, said in a news release that starting Saturday, April 5, GO Bus Route 15 — which runs between Brantford and Burlington in southwestern Ontario — will be extended to serve stops in Six Nations and MCFN.

"This extension will mark the first time Metrolinx expands GO bus service to First Nations and is part of the transit agency's dedication to collaboration and partnership with First Nations on improving transportation connections," the release reads.  

The agency said the expanded GO bus service will run three trips a day in each direction, seven days a week, connecting to Brantford Bus Terminal, McMaster University in Hamilton and to Lakeshore West GO Train service at Aldershot GO Station in Burlington.

"This service extension will provide community members with access to key local and regional services like health-care appointments, schools, and jobs," Metrolinx said in the release. "Route 15 connects customers to a more integrated transit network and addresses an important transportation gap with safe and reliable service."

'Positive impact' expected on community

The Six Nations and MCFN stops include:

• Sour Springs Road at Mohawk Road.
• Sour Springs Road at Chiefswood Road.
• Six Nations Sports & Cultural Memorial Centre.
• 50 Generations Drive (Oneida Business Park).
• New Credit Variety & Gas Bar.

In a joint news release, elected councils of the two First Nations said the expansion represents a significant opportunity for community members to connect with family, access essential services, and travel to job opportunities across the region.

In Six Nations, Hill said the GO bus will provide new opportunities for our members to visit families and friends within the two communities, and access the City of Brantford and beyond. 

Meanwhile, Sault of MCFN said she's "so happy" community members will finally have access to public transit.

"We look forward to the positive impact this service will have on our community members' ability to connect with opportunities and essential services throughout the region," she said.