New Belleville bus routes an unnecessary detour, opponents say

There's a new bus route system in Belleville, Ont., but not all residents are on board with the changes.

Belleville Transit implemented the overhauled system on May 6, but reductions to some routes have prompted an online petition urging the city to reconsider.

The changes are part of the city's 2023 transit master plan and are aimed in part at improving ridership, which dropped more than 50 per cent between 2019 and 2021.

The updates include eight new bus routes to replace existing ones, some of which have been in place for several decades. They include the removal of one route along Bridge Street between Church Street and Herchimer Avenue, as well as the former route No. 31 in the city's north end.

The City of Belleville says the new routes were developed with substantial community consultation. (City of Belleville)

"The changes to the routes are so significant that people in low-income communities aren't able to access the buses anymore, said Loyalist College student Cameron Wilson, who launched the petition.

"The bus stops are not accessible for people who have, for example, wheelchairs, walkers or canes," he told CBC's Ontario Morning last week.

Coun. Kathryn Brown, who chairs Belleville's Transit Advisory Committee, told Ontario Morning the overhaul is aimed at improving route times so travellers can cross the city's core in under 30 minutes.

Brown said the response to the new changes has been overwhelmingly positive and doesn't expect the new routes to hinder accessibility.

"Belleville has mixed residential areas throughout our city," she said. "I think it's a bit of a disservice to the residents who are working hard for their homes to suggest that they're low-income."

The City of Belleville says its Mobility Bus service is there for residents who face barriers to accessing other public transit. (City of Belleville.)

Income isn't the only factor opponents of the new routes say is a barrier to access. Opponents of the change say the additional distance transit users have to walk to reach their bus stops makes those stops inaccessible.

"I speak on behalf of the disabled who are among those who will be affected by the change," wrote Joe Culp, who signed the online petition."

"Many ... can't walk a mile in their shoes to get a bus."

Brown said Belleville's Mobility Bus service is available as an alternative to the traditional bus routes. The fare is the same and provides door-to-door transportation for eligible passengers.

Brown added the city has done significant public consultations and continues to welcome public feedback. The full list of new routes is available on the city's website.