A Review of Charlottetown’s Public Transit System: One Year Later

Happy Birthday Charlottetown Public Transit!


It has already been a year for Charlottetown Transit and many people still acknowledge the bus passing by with a kind wave, while some just sneak a glance at those colourful trolleys. While celebrating this first year anniversary of Charlottetown Transit, it seems like an excellent time to reflect, review, and communicate how this last year has gone. To properly voice all concerns and compliments toward this system, it was best to consult with everyone: people who ride the bus, people who do not, bus drivers, and even a few who have had or still have their hand in Transit management. Charlottetown Transit is already a common sight across town after only one year and as long as it keeps working for the people, it could eventually become a common sight across the whole Island. To be a truly successful public service, a Public Transit system needs to be a synergy between those who need to ride it and those who operate it. To enable and encourage this synergy, expectations from both sides must be heard, acknowledged, and acted upon.

The Charlottetown Transit system draws in many people after simply giving it a try. Not only are the buses very comfortable, clean, and approachable but the bus drivers are extremely friendly and very helpful when broached with questions. The Charlottetown transit system seems very fitting to our small town charm. People who are unsure of routes, or other bus information, appear very comfortable with approaching the driver, just as the drivers seem happy to help. On one occasion, one bus was blocked in by another bus while on a quick break. Upon his return, the driver of the blocked bus, instead of making everyone wait, simply got out and moved the other bus. He managed to not only keep his bus on schedule but also deeply impressed a young lady who feared that she would be late for work. Many Transit patrons remarked on the quality and kindness of the bus drivers. The casualness that the drivers show toward the riders makes many feel welcome and seems to encourage more to take the bus. So far, this kind of informal service only seems to improve the bus systems’ approachability and guest service levels and can hopefully be integrated with a busier ridership in the future.

According to Gary Bradshaw, who used to be the V.P. of the St. John’s Public Transit, and Mike Skene, President of Boulevard Transportation Group, it can generally take between five and ten years for a Transit system to mature and for a Transit using culture within the area to develop. This means that permanent development of transit infrastructures can be dangerous if done prematurely; as routes are likely to change due to ridership and the city’s growth. There are, however, certain locations in Charlottetown, such as the University and the three shopping areas which intersect multiple routes, that will remain fixed hubs for the transit system. Most of these particular locations still have no clear posting of where the bus actually stops nor a mounted schedule or weather shelter for those waiting. Many of these locations are also lacking benches which are especially needed for any seniors or disabled persons wanting to use the bus. Although these problems are easily rectified, they are crucial to fix so that our Public Transit system can remain a Public service available to all.

So far selected routes for buses have great coverage for most of Charlottetown without sacrificing efficiency. While traveling throughout town, it was obvious that, given a slight learning curve and some compromises regarding schedules, using the buses did not delay or inconvenience most. In fact, most routes, as well as the express bus, work very well with daily schedules and as ridership grows, will presumably become even more convenient. Oddly enough though, the Charlottetown Airport is not serviced by our Transit system. As a public service, Charlottetown Transit should have buses running out to the airport, especially if our airport may start taking in international flights as well. Many would also like to see the Transit system extend further outside of Charlottetown into Stratford, Cornwall, and especially into rural P.E.I.. Due to the Island’s unique size and density as a province, it is even more crucial to provide adequate transportation infrastructure for the many rural to urban commuters. Many of these islanders are unable to use the bus in Charlottetown because of its limited range. Although these kinds of extensions will take some time, planning, and funding to put into place, they will be detrimental to make P.E.I. Public transit efficient and available to all.

After an extensive trial of our bus system, and through the many people encountered, it is obvious how popular our transit system is and is becoming. Islanders, on and off the buses, have much praise for our transit system, and the bus drivers themselves relate a growing ridership every month. In fact, Trius tours reports of an average increase of 400 riders each month over the last 4 months. Charlottetown Public Transit is not only a much needed and appreciated public service, but also a means to encourage economic growth across town. It strengthens and unites our community while encouraging more sustainable transportation. Although they may have denied it for years, and ignored all the long glances they’ve given each other, Public Transit and the Island could not compliment each other more. It is clear that since Charlottetown and its Public Transit system have had a full year together, they are finally realizing just how well they get along.

The Charlottetown Public Transit system can be reached at www.city.charlottetown.pe.ca for more information regarding the current Transit system solely in Charlottetown. If looking for information concerning future extensions, ideas for improvement, or general information about this public service, then please contact the Public Transit Coalition at 566-4696 or http://www.peiptc.blogspot.com. The P.T.C. in partnership with the Institute of Island Studies will also be hosting a Symposium on Friday, October 27th from 9am-4pm entitled: Social Equality and Public Transit. The event will be held at the New Residence Conference Room on the UPEI campus and will have several guest lecturers as well as a panel discussion for those interested.