New service supports affordable visitor access, international travel connections,
and outdoor tourism package development

Explorers’ Edge is pleased to welcome expanded
service with FlixBus, North America’s fastest-growing intercity bus service, to Muskoka
and the wider Great Canadian Wilderness region. The seasonal routes create new
ground transportation connections between Toronto Union Station, Toronto Pearson
International Airport, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, South River and North Bay,
while also adding Parry Sound Municipal Airport to the existing Sudbury route.
The service launches at an important time for Ontario’s tourism economy. With travellers
increasingly seeking convenient, budget-friendly long-distance transportation options,
FlixBus offers a more affordable, accessible way for visitors to reach rural Ontario
without the expense or complexity of driving.

The schedule is also conducive to real trip planning, allowing travellers to consider day
trips, overnight stays, hotel check-ins, outdoor experiences and regional itineraries that
align with how visitors actually make travel decisions.
The partnership with FlixBus also supports the organization’s emerging Regenerative
Travel Agency model, focused on developing bookable visitor experiences that connect
transportation, accommodations, attractions, outdoor adventure, culture and local
spending.

The opportunity is especially significant for domestic and international travellers arriving
through Toronto and Pearson Airport. Explorers’ Edge will work with regional partners to
develop packages and itineraries that move visitors directly from the bus route into
outdoor experiences, accommodations, downtowns, attractions and communities across
the region.

“Transportation is one of the missing pieces in rural destination development,” said
James Murphy, CEO of Explorers’ Edge. “At a time when affordability matters more
than ever, FlixBus gives us a platform to connect the economics of travel with real,
bookable tourism products. Just as important, the schedule allows visitors to arrive,
check in, explore and build a meaningful itinerary. International travellers already
understand this transportation model. Our job now is to connect the bus directly to the
outdoor experiences, accommodations and communities that make this region so
compelling. We are proud to work with FlixBus, a transportation company whose values
around accessibility, affordability, inclusion, innovation and more sustainable travel align
strongly with our organization.”

The North Bay route includes stops at Fairfield Inn & Suites Gravenhurst, Tru by
Hilton Bracebridge, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Huntsville, Crystal Cave in
South River, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites North Bay by IHG, coordinated in
partnership with Tourism North Bay.
“As demand for affordable travel continues to grow, we’re focused on expanding service
to destinations travelers are actively looking to visit,” said Karina Frayter, head of
communications at Flix North America. “Our partnership with Explorers’ Edge helps
make it easier for visitors to experience Muskoka, Parry Sound, and Northern Ontario
while supporting the communities and tourism businesses that make the region such an
important part of Ontario’s visitor economy.”

“Improved transportation access is critical if we want more visitors to experience the
region in a way that is practical, welcoming and connected,” said Brent Ellerson,
Marketing Manager at Algonquin Outfitters and Vice Chair of Explorers’ Edge. “For
a traveller arriving without a vehicle, or for someone looking for a more affordable way
to explore Ontario, the ability to connect bus service with outdoor experiences,
accommodations and local businesses can make the difference between interest and
action.”

The announcement also aligns with broader provincial tourism priorities. The Tourism
Industry Association of Ontario’s Forward Motion: A Strategic Playbook for Ontario’s
Tourism Industry identifies expanded transportation infrastructure as a key component
of building a more competitive and connected visitor economy.
“Forward Motion makes it clear that transportation is not separate from tourism growth
— it is one of the conditions that enables it,” said Andrew Siegwart, President and
CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario. “When regions connect
transportation infrastructure with product development, visitor dispersal, workforce
access and local business participation, they are helping bring Ontario’s tourism
strategy to life.”

Explorers’ Edge will continue working with FlixBus, Tourism North Bay, Destination
Marketing Organizations, accommodation partners, municipal partners, Chambers of
Commerce, BIAs, attractions, outfitters and tourism operators to build awareness of the
service and develop packages connected to the route.

The post New Bus Service Supports Affordable Visitor Access To Muskoka appeared first on Muskoka411.

Under the Highway Traffic Act, drivers must stop at least 20 metres away from a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and stop arm activated. Failing to do so is not only illegal but puts children’s lives at risk. This applies to drivers approaching from both directions unless the roadway is divided by a median.

Penalties for failing to stop for a school bus include:

• First offence: Fine of $400 to $2,000, six demerit points, and a significant increase in insurance premiums.
• Subsequent offences: Fine of $1,000 to $4,000, six demerit points, and possible jail time up to six months.
• Vehicle owners can also be charged if their vehicle is involved, even if they were not driving at the time.

Safety Tips for Drivers:

• Stop when school bus lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. It’s the law.
• Stay alert in school zones and residential areas where children may be walking or biking.
• Watch for children crossing roads and walking to school, especially during peak times (7-9 a.m. and 3-5 p.m.).
• Put your phone away. Don’t drive distracted! Distractions can cost lives.

The OPP urges the public to report any incidents of vehicles failing to stop for school buses by calling 9-1-1 and providing the vehicle description, license plate number, location, and time of the incident. If reporting after-the-fact, members of the public can also contact the non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122 or submit information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

For more information on school bus safety, visit [OPP REMINDS DRIVERS THEY MUST STOP FOR SCHOOL BUSES]Ontario.ca/schoolbus

The post OPP Reminds Drivers They Must Stop For School Buses appeared first on Muskoka411.

The added stop will impact the Westbound schedule only, increasing each route time by 4 minutes. Transit riders are advised to review the new schedule at Huntsville.ca and plan for extra travel time starting December 15.

The addition of this new stop is wonderful news for Huntsville’s east side and comes out of the commitment from Huntsville’s Active Transportation and Public Transit Committee, chaired by Councillor Bob Stone.

For Huntsville Transit Schedules please visit Huntsville.ca.

The post New Huntsville Transit Stop Location appeared first on Muskoka411.

“With back to school, more people will be on our streets walking, cycling or driving to school,” said Coun. Ralph Cipolla, Chair of the Orillia Police Services Board. “Let’s make back to school a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Please be cautious, obey school zone requirements and help our crossing guards get students and families to and from school safely.”

Remember the following for back to school:

Observe school zone speeds – School safety zones in Orillia have speed limits reduced to 40 km per hour when the lights are flashing. School zone lights will flash between 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and from 3 to 4 p.m. on weekdays, except along Park Street, which flashes from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 2 to 3 p.m.

Watch for crossing guards and obey their instructions – Crossing guards will be back on duty starting Sept. 5, 2023. Drivers are required to stop and yield the entire crosswalk until all pedestrians, including the crossing guard, have exited the crosswalk.

New school crossing zone on Coldwater Road – New flashing lights are being installed on Coldwater Road between Emily Street and Albert Street. Once complete, the speed limit will be reduced to 40 km per hour when the lights are flashing.

School crossing at Laclie Street and Brant Street is temporarily closed – Due to the ongoing reconstruction of Laclie Street, the school crossing zone at Brant Street will not be active and a crossing guard will not be present. Once the area is reconstructed and can be a safe crossing zone, the crossing guard will return to this location.

Learn and remember the parking restrictions – Most schools in Orillia have parking restrictions on the surrounding streets to ensure everyone can get safely to and from school. When dropping off or picking up students, parents/guardians must park legally. City of Orillia Municipal Law Enforcement Officers will be patrolling school zones to ensure the parking regulations are followed.

Walk or wheel to school – The City of Orillia is encouraging students to walk or wheel to school for the physical and mental benefits achieved through exercise and also to help reduce traffic around schools, which increases safety for everyone.

The post Stay Safe! Back-To-School Safety Reminders For School Crossing Zones appeared first on Muskoka411.

“With the many revitalization projects taking place in the downtown waterfront area, the City is exploring alternatives to traditional parking options this summer to provide convenient access to our downtown waterfront parks for residents and visitors,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “The new waterfront shuttle pilot program will allow users to park their vehicle at Lot 6 and hop on the shuttle to go directly to Couchiching Beach Park.”

The City will start with a 10-passenger shuttle, with the ability to increase the size of shuttle if the demand for usage increases.

Pick up will be from Municipal Parking Lot 6, located at 107 West St. S., which is accessible from West Street South or Andrew Street South. Drop off will be at the Jarvis Street entrance of Couchiching Beach Park. The Sunshine Shuttle to and from Couchiching Beach Park will be free with a flat parking fee of $30 per day for vehicles to park in Lot 6. Parking can be paid by credit card with the pay-and-display machine or using the Passport Parking mobile application. The Passport Parking app is user friendly and available to download from all major app stores.

The Sunshine Shuttle will operate with a 20-minute cycle during peak waterfront usage times on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays from May 20 to Sept. 4, 2023.

Operating Hours:
Fridays: 3 to 8 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sundays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Holiday Mondays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

During the pilot program, Lot 6 will not accept per-hour pay-and-display parking requests and will only be used for monthly permits and all-day parking for people wishing to utilize the shuttle service. Parking of vehicles with attached trailers will be prohibited in Lot 6. For people wishing to use off-street parking in the area, Lot 9, along with eight other municipal parking lots, are available.

Funding for the waterfront parking shuttle pilot program was approved as part of the 2023 budget process and will be operated through the City’s transit provider, TOK Transit. The City of Orillia will be reviewing operations, usage and feedback received during the pilot program to inform any adjustments required for operations and recommendations for future years. For more information regarding the Sunshine Shuttle and parking in Orillia, please visit orillia.ca/parking.

For more information regarding the waterfront revitalization projects taking place in the downtown waterfront area and their impacts, visit orillia.ca/waterfront.

The post New Waterfront Shuttle Pilot Program Starts May 20 In Orillia appeared first on Muskoka411.

Effective Jan. 1, 2023, a cash fare to ride the bus in Orillia will increase by $0.10 from $2.80 to $2.90. There will also be price changes to monthly passes and bulk ride fees (see attached Orillia cOnnect Pass Poster).

“The City recognizes how important public transit is to our community. Particularly today when cost of living is increasing and we are making strides to build a better climate future, public transit offers an affordable and carbon friendly mode of travel. This slight increase in fares allows us to continue building on our transit system to meet the community’s needs, now and in the future,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “Making investments in public transit now will pay dividends for the long-term accessibility and capacity of Orillia’s transit system, and result in a better rider experience for our residents and visitors.”

Over the past few years, the City has invested significantly in Orillia’s transit system with new buses, adding bicycle racks, an additional route and more shelters in order to provide better service and convenience for riders.

In 2022, investments continued with the installation of three new transit shelters and addition of a new transit stop at the Orillia Recreation Centre, providing service to the main entry every 30 minutes during regular transit service hours. The City also launched the Orillia cOnnect Smart Pay Fare System, enabling riders to pay for their fare with the tap of a card that can be loaded online or in person. A total of 7,983 cards have been activated so far, with a total of 195,979 rides using the new cards.

In early 2023, “Tap, Transfer and Save” will launch, which is a new partnership between the Simcoe County LINX and Orillia Transit that will allow the LINX card and Orillia cOnnect Pass card to be used on either transit system. (Orillia cOnnect Pass holders will need to load rides to participate.)

“Transit is subsidized to a large degree by the municipality,” said Jeff Hunter, Manager of Construction and Transit. “In reviewing transit fares annually, we take into consideration the overall budget, cost of improvements, and benchmarking with other transit systems. The small increase for the 2023 transit fare is still very competitive for our users while enabling the City to continue making investments and enhancements.”

Updated rate schedules and route maps are available on the City’s website at orillia.ca/transit and at Orillia City Centre, the Orillia Public Library, on transit buses, and also displayed inside the transit shelters.

The post New Orillia Transit Fares Begin In January 2023 appeared first on Muskoka411.

In Parry Sound-Muskoka, the Town of Parry Sound, Town of Huntsville, Town of Bracebridge and District of Muskoka have each been selected for additional funding in the amounts of $5,000, $26,339, $22,039, and $7,239 respectively.

“Our government is stepping up and investing historic amounts into our municipalities,” said Graydon Smith, MPP Parry Sound-Muskoka. “While public transit operations in our riding are small compared to the big cities, they’re vital for many residents. This additional funding will help deliver safe and reliable public transit for those who need it most.”

This funding is on top of the more than $2 billion Ontario has allocated for municipal transit services since 2020 under the federal-provincial Safe Restart Agreement. The additional $505 million in funding will help municipalities cover ongoing COVID-19 related expenses incurred between February 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022.

“This government has repeatedly shown its commitment to small, rural and northern communities,” said MPP Smith. “After years of neglect by previous governments, small town Ontario is finally getting the investment and attention it deserves.”

The post Municipalities Across Parry Sound-Muskoka Getting Additional Transit Funding appeared first on Muskoka411.

“To reach our emissions reduction target of net-zero by 2050, we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. Our investment in Barrie’s battery electric bus pilot program marks the first step in the city’s transition to a fully electric public transit fleet. Our Government will continue to work with partners to invest in sustainable transit options in communities,” said Tony Van Bynen, Member of Parliament for Newmarket—Aurora, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.

“The City of Barrie is committed to reducing Barrie’s corporate emissions to net-zero by the year 2050. This investment from the federal government will help us move closer to that goal by enabling us to move quicker towards a greener transit system for our community,” said His Worship Alex Nuttall, Mayor of the City of Barrie.

Funding will support the purchase of two battery electric buses and the necessary charging infrastructure. Barrie Transit will study their operation to gather data on future electricity demand and infrastructure requirements. This will ultimately inform the City of Barrie’s plans for the full electrification of their transit fleet.

The Government of Canada and the City of Barrie are investing a combined total of $3.3 million towards this pilot project.

The post Feds Invest In A Battery Electric Bus Pilot Program In Barrie appeared first on Muskoka411.

Hammond Transportation is one of Ontario’s premier family-owned school bus, charter bus and motor coach operators serving the unique transportation needs of Muskoka, Parry Sound, Simcoe County, Haliburton and Algonquin since 1944. Hammond began providing school bus service in Muskoka in 1950 and now operates 60 school bus routes in the area for Trillium Lakelands District School Board, and a further 40 routes in Parry Sound for Nipissing Parry Sound Student Transportation Services.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, providing a cleaner riding environment for students and protecting our environment has long been a focus of HammondBus. “Living in such a beautiful region, we feel that it is important to protect our environment” said HammondBus CEO Greg Hammond. “We see electric buses as the next step in environmentally friendly transportation and we are excited to be taking that step.”

HammondBus has long been committed to helping create a sustainable tomorrow. They were one of only two Canadian motor coach operators in the Green Coach Certification Program and have also supported the Muskoka Envirocredits Program. As one of the first Ontario bus operators to incorporate propane and now electric vehicles into their fleet Hammond Transportation continues to be a leader in eco-friendly transportation.

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