A return to local bus service in Fort Frances is not seen as a viable option at this time.
A group of residents wrote town council last month with the request.
Fort Frances disbanded its municipally-run transit system during the 1990s because of provincial funding cuts.
Councillor Andrew Hallikas says that’s just not feasible either right now.
“Particularly with the town facing a loss of assessment due to the closing of the mill, a shortfall in our operating budget and the possibility of increased taxes due to this,” says Hallikas.
Hallikas says the current Dial-a-Ride service is the most economical service right now and is well utilized.
“Our Dial-A-Ride service is well used and presently is the most economical way that we can provide public transportation at this time.”
The town also operates handi-transit services.
Residents are also looking for enhanced intercity bus service.
The region is currently served by Thunder Bay-based Kasper Transportation but its buses only travel to Fort Frances.
Hallikas hopes a recent expansion of Ontario Northland Transportation to Thunder Bay could one day go further west.
“Hopefully with continued lobbying this service can be expanded to include Fort Frances and the district.”
