http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-Ext...Qx&language=en
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation is examining how people travel between communities by intercity bus in this province. This important, new work will focus on scheduled intercity bus services that operate between separate communities. This differs from local bus services (i.e., public transit) which generally operate within communities. The province has rules and regulations that govern how intercity buses operate in Ontario, including the Public Vehicles Act, Ontario Regulation 982 and the Ontario Highway Transport Board Act.
The ministry is considering different ways of modernizing these rules and regulations in order to both increase the number of intercity bus users and to improve the overall intercity bus traveling experience. Input is being sought from the general public on their perceptions of and experiences with travelling by intercity bus, as well as, from the intercity bus operators on how intercity bus services can be improved. The information being collected will be used as one part of the ministry’s evaluation process on how to modernize intercity bus services in Ontario.
This work will also inform the ministry’s work on the Northern Ontario Multimodal Transportation Strategy. The Strategy will consider intercity bus transportation as it identifies the transportation issues and needs that are unique to Northern Ontario for the movement of people and goods over the next 25 years.
Purpose of Policy:
The purpose of developing recommendations on modernizing and appropriately regulating the intercity bus regime is to ensure it remains an attractive and affordable travel option for Ontarians. It is anticipated that, in addition to more efficiently connecting communities, if the intercity bus mode becomes a more viable alternative to the single-occupant passenger vehicle, it may also help to manage congestion in more urbanized areas.