The tales already emerging from the new route system and new bus frequencies at Guelph Transit probably won’t be the last to come forward. It’s a big change, and not all bus riders will like it, at least not right away.
There are indications that  quite a few riders didn’t know the change was coming. Guelph Transit shouldn’t be blamed for this. It tried to spread the message in several ways, including print advertising, radio and the city’s website.
The new route structure, which is part of an ambitious growth strategy for Guelph Transit approved by city council about 1 1/2 years ago, aims to offer more direct routes and shorter average travel times. It also aims to provide more frequent buses at peak weekday travel times, with 30-minute intervals at all other times of the week. Buses every 15 minutes in peak weekday travel periods should make Guelph Transit a more attractive travel option for people trying to get to and from work. However, this extra frequency comes at the expense of 20-minute service during parts of the weekday that will revert to 30-minute service. This won’t be as convenient for some, but it’s a trade-off that’s probably needed for cost reasons.
What the new system with its varying service frequencies does mean is potential confusion for riders. It will take some getting used to, which is why some people spent part of their “in lieu” holiday on Monday practising their bus trips before they return to work today. There will be hiccups in the new system that will need to be worked out, as transit general manager Michael Anders correctly notes.
Hopefully, things will work out in the end, though. A well-functioning transit system is a key part of city life.