Nation 2 Nation News

by:

Angela Lavallee

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The Link is set to take on passengers where residents of Curve Lake First Nation, Lakefield, Bridgenorth and Ennismore will see a City of Peterborough bus on rural roads for the first time in history.

“This will be a great opportunity for people to go to different areas and for those who don’t drive.”says Selwyn Township Deputy Mayor Sherry Senis. She also says a bus stop at the intersection of the County Rd 22 and Buckhorn Rd is something that should be taken into consideration for those who may need a ride from the Buckhorn area.

In a joint public letter, Curve Lake First Nation along with Selwyn Township, Community Care Peterborough and Peterborough Transit indicated how The Link will provide customers an opportunity to travel to rural areas with connections to the Peterborough Transit at Trent University and have access to routes within city limits. For the launch, customers can enjoy free transit on The Link for the month of May which includes a single-use transfer to Peterborough Transit. In addition to celebrate the new service, customers who wish to participate can enter a contest happening on social media beginning May 3 by taking a selfie of riding the bus and post to Selwyn Township social media pages: Twitter, Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #RideTheLink and tag Selwyn Township along with a comment to your photo ‘Spot The Bus’ for an opportunity to win one of three free 10-day bus passes. Deadline to enter is May 31.

The pilot project received $1.48M in funding through the Province of Ontario’s Community Transportation Grant program to operate the two brand new routes. Route 31 Curve Lake and Lakefield, and route 32 Bridgenorth and Ennismore. Deputy Mayor Senis also went on to say she hopes the routes are well used in order to keep the service in operation and it’s important to all – for the connectivity and inclusion. All customers are required to follow COVID-19 safety protocols and wear a mask while riding the bus. Cost to ride The Link is $8 one-way coin fare(bills are not accepted.) Customers must indicate if they are transferring to The Link to avoid further transit charges. For additional information regarding The Link contact Anna Currier, Climate Change Coordinator at 705-292-9507 x 234 or acurrier@selwyntownship.ca

The schedule to view pick-up and drop off times is available at www.selwyntownship.ca/thelink The Link will operate Monday through to Friday, with exception of holidays. Customers can purchase 2-Ride, 10-Ride or a monthly pass that is available at select outlets which is listed on Selwyn Township website. Peterborough Transit indicated in the event of service interruption all information will be updated to @ptbo_transit and My Beat. For information to Peterborough Transit for the Link email transitoperations@peterborough.ca or 705-745-0525

“If there is ever an opportunity to reach out this is one of them.”