COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Pembroke public transit plans continue with City Council

The proposed public transportation solution for Pembroke continues to be tabled at City Hall a few months ahead of its scheduled roll out this summer.

Launching between July 7 and August 5, the service will include two accessible Dodge ProMasters, along with a backup vehicle. Unlike traditional bus routes, passengers can schedule trips through an app or by phone, offering a ride-sharing-style experience.

Still in question is the fare structure  that will be put into place which has been an ongoing conversation around the City Council table and continues to be a point of contention. Concerns surrounding the Handibus transit system currently in place and the possible impact of the new public system  on this not for profit ride solution appears to be an inevitability. Mayor Gervis says that no matter what, the Handibus is going to be impacted , however, the real concern he has is the fact that there are steps yet to be taken before the project should be given the green light.

Further at issue are the boundaries that the service will operate within and whether riders will be faced with “cut offs” that may or may not reach their intended destination. As the system will funded entirely by The City of Pembroke with heavy reliance on fares to cover costs, this leaves in question riders outside the City boundaries who wish to access the service. Mayor Gervais says that his concern who will ultimately pick up part of the tab:

When asked if Laurentian valley has been  included  in cost sharing discussions, the answer Mayor Gervais offers speaks to whether the service should be made readily available to outside residents; specifically those who are travelling to WalMart which is situated in  Laurentian Valley.

Based  on recent discussion at City Hall, the main concern appears to be the fact that groundwork has been laid without the answers to many salient questions which will directly impact the service itself and potentially the pocketbook of Pembroke residents at the expense of outlying riders.

The City has signed a by law entering into agreement with Mobility Transportation Specialists which has taken effect as of March 18th, 2025.

(Written By: Richard Evans)