10-Year Investment and Growth Strategy
Niagara Transit's roadmap to a unified and connected region.
Setting a Decade's Course
The Niagara Transit Commission (NTC) is proud to announce its collaboration with consultant Left Turn Right Turn (LTRT) on the Facilities, Strategic Asset, and Service Network Master Plan. This comprehensive study, expected to take 18 months, will revolutionize public transit in Niagara by optimizing services for the next decade. The Master Plan prioritizes accessibility, efficiency, and affordability for residents and visitors alike.
The study thoroughly examines current transit infrastructure, service routes, and operational strategies to develop an optimal service strategy tailored to Niagara's unique needs.
August 2025
Round 3: Presenting The Plan
The Niagara Transit Master Plan (NTMP) is designed with Niagara's transit riders in mind, aiming to significantly improve transit services across the region over the next decade. Created through extensive feedback from the community, this plan will deliver faster, more reliable, and easier-to-use transit options for everyone in Niagara.
Spanning from 2026 to 2035, the NTMP will unfold in three clear stages:
- Stage 1: Service Harmonization (2026–2027) quickly addresses rider needs by aligning routes, schedules, and transit types. Riders can expect new express bus routes, extended Sunday services, and better access to microtransit.
- Stage 2: Network Improvements and Infrastructure Investments (2028–2030) builds upon initial improvements with expanded routes, faster services like rapid buses, improved transit hubs, and upgraded facilities. This stage ensures riders experience shorter wait times and better connectivity to key locations.
- Stage 3: Growth and Enhanced Connectivity (2031–2035) focuses on connecting more riders to more places, including new communities and overnight services. Completing important infrastructure projects during this stage ensures long-term reliability and convenience.
More 'one-seat' journeys
Riders will have fewer transfers and more direct transit trips, making it easier and quicker to reach their destinations.
Faster trips
Average travel times will be reduced by 25%, meaning all riders will reach their destinations faster and with less waiting.
More frequent service
Riders will wait less at busy stops, thanks to increased service frequency on high-demand routes and the introduction of high-frequency networks in major urban areas.
Fewer specialty trip denials
Expanded fixed routes, increased specialty service hours, and improved policies will greatly reduce trip denials, ensuring reliable transit for riders with disabilities, mobility challenges, and rural residents.
Sunday service and more
Service hours will increase gradually, beginning with new Sunday service and hours from 6 a.m. to midnight. By 2035, some transit routes will even operate overnight.
Improved efficiency
Stage 1 (2026-2027): Harmonize and Optimize
- Service span: 6 am-midnight
- Sunday service introduction
- Network optimization begins
- Express bus routes launch
- Niagara Falls garage expansion starts
Stage 2 (2028-2030): Build and Expand
- Service span: 5:30 am-1:30 am
- Rapid bus implementation
- High-frequency network establishment
- Major garage construction
- Full fixed-route coverage achieved
Stage 3 (2031-2035): Grow and Connect
- Some overnight service
- Complete rapid bus network (5 routes)
- 25% microtransit increase
- Garage expansions complete
- Robust high-frequency networks in urban centers
Major Cities
St. Catharines
St. Catharines – Stage 1 (2026 – 2027)
- Begin network redesign to improve service efficiency, increase fixed-route coverage across St. Catharines, create more “one-seat” journeys, and reduce travel times
- Establish regional route hub at the St. Catharines GO station to improve local and regional connectivity
- Establish an express bus route (15-min frequency at peak, with limited stop spacing) on the Brock University – downtown St. Catharines – Fairview Mall corridor
- Introduce two new regional routes to provide fixed-route connections to new locations in the Region: from St. Catharines to Grimsby with a connection to Hamilton (HSR) at Winona Crossing, and from St. Catharines to Niagara-on-the-Lake village through Glendale and Virgil
- Service span expansion 6am-midnight
- Add Sunday service on fixed routes, and specialty (specialized and microtransit)
- Increased availability of specialty services (specialized and microtransit) due to fixed route expansion and policy changes
St. Catharines – Stage 2 (2028 – 2030)
- Continue network redesign to improve service efficiency, increase fixed-route coverage across St. Catharines, create more “one-seat” journeys, and reduce travel times
- Progress towards robust high-frequency network, focus service on areas of high demand
- Upgrade the express bus route from Stage 1 into a rapid bus route through implementation of transit priority measures, elevate station infrastructure, and 10-minute peak frequency
- Implement transit priority measures that make transit go faster along high-frequency corridors and at key locations
- Introduce two more express bus routes that connect key north-south and east-west corridors in St. Catharines
- Establish and expand key transit hubs to improve connectivity, including Glendale, Marotta Family Hospital, St. Catharines GO, and Brock University
- Introduce regional routes that connect through St. Catharines providing improved connections to Fonthill, Pelham, West Lincoln, Welland, Port Colborne, and Fort Erie
- Full service coverage established, meaning all residents have a stop within 400m or access to microtransit within the St. Catharines
- Service span expansion 5:30am-1:30am
- Fixed route expansion leads to reduced microtransit trip denials
St. Catharines – Stage 3 (2031 – 2035)
- Robust high-frequency network efficiently serving highest demand
- 3 rapid bus routes
- 8 corridor routes
- 25% increase in microtransit to adapt to regional growth
- Increased fixed route coverage will improve microtransit availability
- Service span expansion to include some overnight service
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls – Stage 1 (2026 – 2027)
- Begin network redesign to improve service efficiency, increase fixed-route coverage across Niagara Falls, create more “one-seat” journeys, and reduce travel times
- Improved frequency on Lundy’s Lane by establishing express bus route (15-min frequency at peak, with limited stop spacing)
- Service span expansion 6am-midnight
- Add Sunday service on fixed routes, and specialty (specialized and microtransit)
- Increased availability of specialty services (specialized and microtransit) due to fixed route expansion and policy changes
- Expansion of Niagara Transit garage begins
Niagara Falls – Stage 2 (2028 – 2030)
- Continue network redesign to improve service efficiency, increase fixed-route coverage across Niagara Falls, create more “one-seat” journeys, and reduce travel times
- Continue development of high-frequency network through establishment of a second Express Bus Route on Drummond Road
- Implement transit priority measures that make transit go faster along high-frequency corridors and at key locations
- Add service to peripheral areas of Niagara Falls
- Regional routes travel further into Niagara Falls to better connect to key destinations
- Enhanced connectivity to South Niagara Hospital; direct connections to Chippewa and from across the region
- Full service coverage established, meaning all residents have a stop within 400m or access to microtransit within Niagara Falls
- Service span expansion 5:30am-1:30am
- Fixed route expansion leads to reduced microtransit trip denials
Niagara Falls – Stage 3 (2031 – 2035)
- Robust high-frequency network efficiently serving highest demand
- 2 rapid bus routes
- 3 corridor routes
- Improved connectivity through a new fixed-route connecting St. Catharines and Thorold through Niagara Falls
- 25% increase in microtransit to adapt to regional growth
- Increased fixed route coverage will improve microtransit availability
- Service span expansion to include some overnight service
Welland
Welland – Stage 1 (2026 – 2027)
- Major network redesign to increase two-way service on routes leading to more than a 50% increase in level of service and more direct journeys
- Service span expansion 6am-midnight
- Add Sunday service on fixed routes, and specialty (specialized and microtransit)
- Increased availability of specialty services (specialized and microtransit) due to fixed route expansion and policy changes
Welland – Stage 2 (2028 – 2030)
- Expansion of the local network into developed areas of Fonthill, southern Thorold, and Dain City
- Significant increase in service frequency and service coverage
- Redesign of the regional route network introduces one-seat trips from Welland into Fort Erie, downtown Niagara Falls, and downtown St. Catharines
- Establish second transit hub at Niagara College Welland campus with enhanced amenities and improved connections
- Service span expansion 5:30am-1:30am
- Fixed route expansion leads to reduced microtransit trip denials
Welland – Stage 3 (2031 – 2035)
- Some increase in service frequency and service coverage
- Create a high-frequency corridor route that connects Pelham, Niagara College Welland, and downtown Welland with service every 15-minutes at peak
- Introduce a new regional route that connects downtown Welland with Wainfleet and Dunnville in Haldimand County
- 25% increase in microtransit to adapt to regional growth
- Increased fixed route coverage will improve microtransit availability
- Service span expansion to include some overnight service
Other Municipalities
Fort Erie
Stage 1 (2026-2027):
- New, 30-minute frequency community fixed route
- Service span expansion 6 a.m.-midnight
- Add Sunday service on fixed routes, and specialty (specialized and microtransit)
- Microtransit hub in Douglastown / Black Creek
- Increased availability of specialty services (specialized and microtransit) due to fixed route expansion and policy changes
Stage 2 (2028-2030):
- Expand coverage of the community route
- New and extended regional routes - improved connections to Crystal Beach, Port Colborne, Welland, St. Catharines, and downtown Niagara Falls
- Service span expansion 5:30-1:30 a.m.
- New microtransit hubs in Fort Erie and Crystal Beach, improved connections and amenities
- Fixed route expansion leads to reduced microtransit trip denials
Stage 3 (2031-2035):
- Expansion of community fixed routes, an additional one in Fort Erie, and one in Crystal Beach
- Increase frequency of Fort Erie-Niagara Falls regional route
- 25% increase in microtransit to adapt to regional growth
- Increased fixed route coverage will improve microtransit availability
- Service expansion to some overnight service
Grimsby
Stage 1 (2026-2027):
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New regional route connecting Grimsby through to St. Catharines, including a connection to Hamilton (HSR).
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Two new microtransit hubs in Grimsby with enhanced amenities, leading to improved connections.
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Service span expansion: 6 a.m.–midnight.
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Add Sunday service on fixed routes and specialty (specialized and microtransit).
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Increased availability of specialty services (specialized and microtransit) due to policy changes.
Stage 2 (2028-2030):
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New regional route connecting Grimsby through West Lincoln and Pelham, including a connection to Hamilton (HSR) at Winona Crossing.
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Introduce two new fixed routes in Grimsby.
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Service span expansion: 5:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m.
Stage 3 (2031-2035):
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New fixed route in Grimsby.
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Enhance service on existing Grimsby fixed route into a 15-minute peak frequency corridor route.
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25% increase in microtransit to adapt to regional growth.
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Increased fixed route coverage will improve microtransit availability.
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Service expansion to include some overnight service.
Lincoln
Stage 1 (2026-2027):
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New regional route connecting Grimsby through to St. Catharines, including a connection to Hamilton (HSR)
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Two new microtransit hubs in Lincoln with enhanced amenities, leading to improved connections
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Service span expansion: 6 a.m.–midnight
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Add Sunday service on fixed routes and specialty (specialized and microtransit)
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Increased availability of specialty services (specialized and microtransit) due to policy changes
Stage 2 (2028-2030):
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New community fixed route in Beamsville
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Service span expansion: 5:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m.
Stage 3 (2031-2035):
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Increased frequency on regional route connecting to St. Catharines and Grimsby
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25% increase in microtransit to adapt to regional growth
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Increased fixed route coverage will improve microtransit availability
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Service expansion to include some overnight service
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Stage 1 (2026-2027):
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New regional route connecting Niagara-on-the-Lake village with Virgil and Glendale into Pen Centre, downtown St. Catharines, and St. Catharines GO
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New microtransit hubs along regional route with enhanced amenities, leading to improved connections
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Service span expansion: 6 a.m.–midnight
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Add Sunday service on fixed routes and specialty (specialized and microtransit)
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Increased availability of specialty services (specialized and microtransit) due to policy changes
Stage 2 (2028-2030):
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Establishment of a major transit hub at Glendale
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Improved connectivity from Glendale to other parts of the region, especially St. Catharines and Niagara Falls
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More frequent service from Glendale
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Service span expansion: 5:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m.
Stage 3 (2031-2035):
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New community fixed route within Niagara-on-the-Lake village
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Increased frequency for existing routes connecting to Niagara-on-the-Lake
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25% increase in microtransit to adapt to regional growth
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Increased fixed route coverage will improve microtransit availability
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Service expansion to include some overnight service
Pelham
Stage 1 (2026-2027):
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Service span expansion: 6 a.m.–midnight
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Add Sunday service on fixed routes and specialty (specialized and microtransit)
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Increased availability of specialty services (specialized and microtransit) due to policy changes
Stage 2 (2028-2030):
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Major extension of Welland fixed route network will bring two new local routes into Fonthill
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Cohesive network for built-up areas of Pelham, Welland, and southern Thorold
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Extension of Niagara Falls to Welland regional route to connect to Fonthill
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New regional route that connects Pelham to St. Catharines, West Lincoln, Grimsby, and Hamilton
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Service span expansion: 5:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m.
Stage 3 (2031-2035):
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Welland corridor route provides 15-minute peak frequency to Fonthill
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New Welland fixed route connection
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Expansion of service area and increased service hours for fixed routes
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25% increase in microtransit to adapt to regional growth
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Increased fixed route coverage will improve microtransit availability
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Service expansion to include some overnight service
Port Colborne
Stage 1 (2026-2027):
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Service span expansion: 6 a.m.–midnight
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Add Sunday service on fixed routes and specialty (specialized and microtransit)
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Increased availability of specialty services (specialized and microtransit) due to fixed route expansion and policy changes
Stage 2 (2028-2030):
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Two new, 30-minute frequency community fixed routes
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New regional route that originates in Fort Erie and travels through Crystal Beach to Port Colborne, Welland, and ends in St. Catharines
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Service span expansion: 5:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m.
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Fixed route expansion leads to reduced microtransit trip denials
Stage 3 (2031-2035):
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Add new community fixed route to planned development area
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25% increase in microtransit to adapt to regional growth
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Increased fixed route coverage will improve microtransit availability
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Service expansion to include some overnight service
Thorold
Stage 1 (2026-2027):
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Local network redesign to improve service levels and connectivity, including to Brock University and in southern Thorold
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Service span expansion: 6 a.m.–midnight
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Add Sunday service on fixed routes and specialty (specialized and microtransit)
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Increased availability of specialty services (specialized and microtransit) due to policy changes
Stage 2 (2028-2030):
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Network changes leading to improved connectivity to all areas of St. Catharines
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Expansion of high-frequency service between Thorold and St. Catharines; three 15-minute frequency routes
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New routes extend to developed areas of southern Thorold and Thorold South
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Service span expansion: 5:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m.
Stage 3 (2031-2035):
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Further expansion of high-frequency network
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Expansion of fixed route coverage into Thorold South
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Improved service frequency within Thorold
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Improved connectivity to Niagara Falls
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25% increase in microtransit to adapt to regional growth
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Increased fixed route coverage will improve microtransit availability
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Service expansion to include some overnight service
Wainfleet
Stage 1 (2026-2027):
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Service span expansion: 6 a.m.–midnight
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Add Sunday service on fixed routes and specialty (specialized and microtransit)
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Increased availability of specialty services (specialized and microtransit) due to policy changes
Stage 2 (2028-2030):
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Service span expansion: 5:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m.
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Introduce microtransit for trips within Wainfleet (intracommunity trips)
Stage 3 (2031-2035):
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New regional route through Wainfleet, connecting from Dunnville to Welland
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Two new microtransit hubs in Wainfleet with enhanced amenities, leading to improved connections
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25% increase in microtransit to adapt to regional growth
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Increased fixed route coverage will improve microtransit availability
-
Service expansion to include some overnight service
West Lincoln
Stage 1 (2026-2027):
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Service span expansion: 6 a.m.–midnight
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Add Sunday service on fixed routes and specialty (specialized and microtransit)
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Increased availability of specialty services (specialized and microtransit) due to policy changes
Stage 2 (2028-2030):
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Service span expansion: 5:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m.
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Introduce microtransit for trips within West Lincoln (intracommunity trips)
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New regional route through Smithville, connecting from Hamilton and Grimsby to Pelham and St. Catharines
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Two new microtransit hubs in Wainfleet with enhanced amenities, leading to improved connections
Stage 3 (2031-2035):
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New 30-minute frequency community fixed route within Smithville
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25% increase in microtransit to adapt to regional growth
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Increased fixed route coverage will improve microtransit availability
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Service expansion to include some overnight service
Fleet Growth
Current: 187 vehicles
2035: 345 vehicles
84% increase
Garage Expansion
Niagara Falls:
+73 vehicle capacity
Welland:
Rebuild +72 vehicles
Total investment: ~$275M
Capital Budget
10-year total: ~$890M
Fleet: $251M
Garages: $275M
Infrastructure: $177M
January 2025 - February 2025
Round 2: Exploring Possibilities
Explore the Future of Niagara Transit
We're reimagining transit in Niagara with four exciting network options to guide us through the next decade.
For the first time, instead of making four separate systems work together—St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, and Regional—we're looking at the Niagara region as one unified transit system.
Your Input Matters: Review the Four Options and Take the Survey
The four options below present a unique vision for improving connectivity, accessibility, and service across Niagara. From enhancing existing routes to introducing new ones, these plans consider future growth, travel needs, and investment priorities.
Please examine each option's details and see how they impact travel times, key destinations, and overall service. Once you've explored them, complete the survey at the end to share your feedback—we want to hear your thoughts to help shape Niagara Transit's future!
Niagara Transit Master Plan Options 1 - 4
Niagara Transit is exploring four different network options for how the service should change over the next 10 years. We want to know what you think of them!
Option 1 - Regional Network
Niagara Transit Master Plan: Regional Network 2035 - Option 1 Key Features
Service Types
Key Destinations
Performance Metrics (Compared to Today)
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Option 1 - Conventional Network
Niagara Transit Master Plan: Conventional Network 2035 - Option 1 Key Features
Service Types
Key Destinations
Performance Metrics (Compared to Today)
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Option 1: Travel Time Comparison 2025 - 2035
5% Faster on Average
Option 2 - Regional Network
Niagara Transit Master Plan: Regional Network 2035 - Option 2 Key Features
Service Types
Key Destinations
Performance Metrics (Compared to Today)
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Option 2 - Conventional Network
Niagara Transit Master Plan: Conventional Network 2035 - Option 2 Key Features
Service Types
Key Destinations
Performance Metrics (Compared to Today)
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Option 2: Travel Time Comparison 2025 - 2035
25% Faster on Average
Option 3 - Regional Network
Niagara Transit Master Plan: Regional Network 2035 - Option 3 Key Features
Service Types
Key Destinations
Performance Metrics (Compared to Today)
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Option 3 - Conventional Network
Niagara Transit Master Plan: Conventional Network 2035 - Option 3 Key Features
Service Types
Key Destinations
Performance Metrics (Compared to Today)
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Option 3: Travel Time Comparison 2025 - 2035
30% Faster on Average
Option 4 - Regional Network
Niagara Transit Master Plan: Regional Network 2035 - Option 4 Key Features
Service Types
Key Destinations
Performance Metrics (Compared to Today)
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Option 4 - Conventional Network
Niagara Transit Master Plan: Conventional Network 2035 - Option 4 Key Features
Service Types
Key Destinations
Performance Metrics (Compared to Today)
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Option 4: Travel Time Comparison 2025 - 2035
20% Faster on Average
Options 1 - 4 By Municipality
Niagara Transit Master Plan: Fort Erie Changes by 2035
Important Notes for All Options
- Rapid Bus routes: 10 min. peak frequency, limited stops, transit priority
- High-frequency corridor routes: 15 min. peak frequency
- Specialized transit: Investment increases aligned with broader transit investment
- Microtransit service: Serves all trips where there is no fixed-route transit and connects to nearest fixed-route for longer trips
- Late-night service: Provided by a mix of fixed-route and microtransit service
Option 1
- Reintroduces semi-local fixed route at 30-minute peak frequency
- Extends Niagara Falls regional route to directly serve more key points in Fort Erie
- Small improvement to microtransit availability
Option 2
- More than doubles level of service with three fixed routes (1 local, 1 regional/local, 1 regional)
- Strong regional one-bus connectivity
- Small improvement to microtransit availability
Option 3
- Highest level of service with 3x's current levels
- Provides broad fixed coverage including area slated for new development
- Doubled microtransit capacity to meet 99% demand
Option 4
- Almost 3x current level of service
- Good coverage of new development area
- Small improvement to microtransit availability
Niagara Transit Master Plan: Grimsby Changes by 2035
Important Notes for All Options
- Rapid Bus routes: 10 min. peak frequency, limited stops, transit priority
- High-frequency corridor routes: 15 min. peak frequency
- Specialized transit: Investment increases aligned with broader transit investment
- Microtransit service: Serves all trips where there is no fixed-route transit and connects to nearest fixed-route for longer trips
- Late-night service: Provided by a mix of fixed-route and microtransit service
Option 1
- New regional route with local service in Grimsby connecting Winona Park (Hamilton) and St. Catharines would improve transit access
- Small improvement to microtransit availability
Option 2
- 5x current level of service with 2 local and 1 regional route/s
- Main St./Livingston Ave./Winston Rd. corridor would have 15-minute or less frequency
Option 3
- 5x current level of service with 2 local and 1 regional route/s
- Doubled microtransit capacity to meet 99% demand
Option 4
- 6x current level of service with 2 local and 2 regional routes
- Small improvement to microtransit availability
Niagara Transit Master Plan: Lincoln Changes by 2035
Important Notes for All Options
- Rapid Bus routes: 10 min. peak frequency, limited stops, transit priority
- High-frequency corridor routes: 15 min. peak frequency
- Specialized transit: Investment increases aligned with broader transit investment
- Microtransit service: Serves all trips where there is no fixed-route transit and connects to nearest fixed-route for longer trips
- Late-night service: Provided by a mix of fixed-route and microtransit service
Option 1
- New regional route connecting Winona Park (Hamilton) and St. Catharines would improve transit access
- Small improvement to microtransit availability
Option 2
- Two regional routes with one providing local service in Beamsville
- Small improvement to microtransit availability
Option 3
- Largest level of service increase for Lincoln at 2x
- 1 Regional and 1 regional/local fixed route
- Doubled microtransit capacity to meet 99% demand
Option 4
- 80% increase in level of service
- 1 Regional and 1 local fixed route
- Broadest local fixed route coverage
- Small improvement to microtransit availability
Niagara Transit Master Plan: Niagara Falls Changes by 2035
Important Notes for All Options
- Rapid Bus routes: 10 min. peak frequency, limited stops, transit priority
- High-frequency corridor routes: 15 min. peak frequency
- Specialized transit: Investment increases aligned with broader transit investment
- Microtransit service: Serves all trips where there is no fixed-route transit and connects to nearest fixed-route for longer trips
- Late-night service: Provided by a mix of fixed-route and microtransit service
Option 1
- 2.5x increase in the level of transit service
- 1 new Rapid Bus route
- Several new direct connections that will reduce passenger travel times
Option 2
- 2.5x increase in the frequency of transit service
- Better regional connectivity into central Niagara Falls
- Small expansion of local fixed route coverage
Option 3
- 3x increase in the level of transit service
- Better regional connectivity into central Niagara Falls
- Significant fixed route expansion into new development areas including a new local route connecting to Thorold
Option 4
- Highest level of transit service
- More routes providing shorter access to transit with lower frequencies vs. Option 3
- Significant fixed route expansion into new development areas
Niagara Transit Master Plan: Niagara-on-the-Lake Changes by 2035
Important Notes for All Options
- Rapid Bus routes: 10 min. peak frequency, limited stops, transit priority
- High-frequency corridor routes: 15 min. peak frequency
- Specialized transit: Investment increases aligned with broader transit investment
- Microtransit service: Serves all trips where there is no fixed-route transit and connects to nearest fixed-route for longer trips
- Late-night service: Provided by a mix of fixed-route and microtransit service
Option 1
- Three new local routes connecting Glendale to Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and St. David's
- Small improvement to microtransit availability
Option 2
- Significant expansion of fixed-route transit
- Diverse local connectivity to Glendale
- Regional route between St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Small improvement to microtransit availability
Option 3
- 4.5x increase in the level of transit service
- 4 local routes serving Glendale
- 1 regional and 1 local route serving Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Doubled microtransit capacity
Option 4
- 3x increase in the level of transit service
- 2 local routes serving Glendale
- 1 regional and 1 local route serving Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara Transit Master Plan: Pelham Changes by 2035
Important Notes for All Options
- Rapid Bus routes: 10 min. peak frequency, limited stops, transit priority
- High-frequency corridor routes: 15 min. peak frequency
- Specialized transit: Investment increases aligned with broader transit investment
- Microtransit service: Serves all trips where there is no fixed-route transit and connects to nearest fixed-route for longer trips
- Late-night service: Provided by a mix of fixed-route and microtransit service
Option 1
- Two new local routes connecting to southern Welland
- Small improvement to microtransit availability
Option 2
- Two new local routes connecting to a new hub at Niagara College - Welland
- 1 new regional route connecting to St. Catharines and Beamsville via Fenwick
- Small improvement to microtransit availability
Option 3
- Largest increase in level of service at 3.5x
- Robust local transit network providing east-west and north-south connectivity
- 1 regional route connecting Fenwick and St. Catharines
Option 4
- 3.5x increase in level of service
- Broad local fixed route coverage of new development areas
- 1 regional route with broad connectivity
Niagara Transit Master Plan: Port Colborne Changes by 2035
Important Notes for All Options
- Rapid Bus routes: 10 min. peak frequency, limited stops, transit priority
- High-frequency corridor routes: 15 min. peak frequency
- Specialized transit: Investment increases aligned with broader transit investment
- Microtransit service: Serves all trips where there is no fixed-route transit and connects to nearest fixed-route for longer trips
- Late-night service: Provided by a mix of fixed-route and microtransit service
Option 1
- Small improvement to microtransit availability
Option 2
- 30% increase in level of service
- 1 new local fixed route
- Extended regional route to Fort Erie
Option 3
- 3x increase in level of service
- 2 new local fixed routes broadly serving future developed areas
- Extended regional route to Fort Erie
- Doubled microtransit capacity to meet 99% demand
Option 4
- Largest increase in level of service at 3.5x
- 3 new local fixed routes broadly serving future developed areas
- Extended regional route to Fort Erie
Niagara Transit Master Plan: St. Catharines Changes by 2035
Important Notes for All Options
- Rapid Bus routes: 10 min. peak frequency, limited stops, transit priority
- High-frequency corridor routes: 15 min. peak frequency
- Specialized transit: Investment increases aligned with broader transit investment
- Microtransit service: Serves all trips where there is no fixed-route transit and connects to nearest fixed-route for longer trips
- Late-night service: Provided by a mix of fixed-route and microtransit service
Option 1
- Nearly 2x increase in the level of service
- New Rapid Bus provides fast and frequent North-South connectivity
- Several new direct connections
- More frequent routes on high-demand corridors
Option 2
- 50% increase in the level of service
- New Rapid Bus provides fast and frequent North-South connectivity
- Significant improvement in direct connectivity and passenger travel times
Option 3
- Largest increase in level of service at 2x
- 3 new Rapid Buses broadly cover the City, enhancing fast travel throughout the urban area
- Lowest expected passenger travel times
Option 4
- Nearly 2x increase in the level of service
- 2 new Rapid Buses provide broad high-speed north-south connectivity
- More routes providing shorter access to transit with lower frequencies vs. Option 3
Niagara Transit Master Plan: Thorold Changes by 2035
Important Notes for All Options
- Rapid Bus routes: 10 min. peak frequency, limited stops, transit priority
- High-frequency corridor routes: 15 min. peak frequency
- Specialized transit: Investment increases aligned with broader transit investment
- Microtransit service: Serves all trips where there is no fixed-route transit and connects to nearest fixed-route for longer trips
- Late-night service: Provided by a mix of fixed-route and microtransit service
Option 1
- 200% increase in the level of service
- Small increase in fixed route service coverage
- Small improvement to microtransit availability
Option 2
- 3x increase in the level of service
- Small increase in fixed route service coverage
- Small improvement to microtransit availability
Option 3
- Largest increase in level of service at 4x
- Significant expansion of 15-minute high-frequency network
- Doubled microtransit capacity to meet 99% demand
Option 4
- 4x increase in level of service
- Highest local fixed route coverage of new development areas adjacent to Welland
- Less use of Thorold Towpath Terminal
Niagara Transit Master Plan: Wainfleet Changes by 2035
Important Notes for All Options
- Rapid Bus routes: 10 min. peak frequency, limited stops, transit priority
- High-frequency corridor routes: 15 min. peak frequency
- Specialized transit: Investment increases aligned with broader transit investment
- Microtransit service: Serves all trips where there is no fixed-route transit and connects to nearest fixed-route for longer trips
- Late-night service: Provided by a mix of fixed-route and microtransit service
Option 1
- Introduces microtransit travel within Wainfleet
- Small improvement to microtransit availability
Option 2
- Introduces microtransit travel within Wainfleet
- Regional route connecting Dunnville and Port Colborne
- Small improvement to microtransit availability
Option 3
- Introduces microtransit travel within Wainfleet
- Largest increase in level of service at 2x due to significant investment in microtransit capacity
Option 4
- Introduces microtransit travel within Wainfleet
- Regional route connecting Dunnville and Welland
- Small improvement to microtransit availability
Niagara Transit Master Plan: Welland Changes by 2035
Important Notes for All Options
- Rapid Bus routes: 10 min. peak frequency, limited stops, transit priority
- High-frequency corridor routes: 15 min. peak frequency
- Specialized transit: Investment increases aligned with broader transit investment
- Microtransit service: Serves all trips where there is no fixed-route transit and connects to nearest fixed-route for longer trips
- Late-night service: Provided by a mix of fixed-route and microtransit service
Option 1
- Redesigned network allows for a more than 2x increase in level of service
- Two-way service replaces one-way loops in nearly all places
- Some expansion of fixed route coverage
Option 2
- More than 2x increase in level of service
- Two hub network improves travel choice, enables expanded coverage and allows for more frequent routes
- Significant improvement in direct connectivity and passenger travel times
Option 3
- 2.5x increase in level of service
- Broad coverage of new development areas and integration of network with Pelham and Thorold
- One high-frequency 15-minute route
Option 4
- Largest increase in level of service at 3x
- Broad coverage of new development areas and integration of network with Pelham and Thorold
- One long high-frequency 15-minute route connecting Pelham and Welland
Niagara Transit Master Plan: West Lincoln Changes by 2035
Important Notes for All Options
- Rapid Bus routes: 10 min. peak frequency, limited stops, transit priority
- High-frequency corridor routes: 15 min. peak frequency
- Specialized transit: Investment increases aligned with broader transit investment
- Microtransit service: Serves all trips where there is no fixed-route transit and connects to nearest fixed-route for longer trips
- Late-night service: Provided by a mix of fixed-route and microtransit service
Option 1
- Introduces microtransit travel within West Lincoln
- Small improvement to microtransit availability
Option 2
- Introduces microtransit travel within West Lincoln
- New regional route connecting to Beamsville, Pelham and St. Catharines
- Small improvement to microtransit availability
Option 3
- 4x increase in level of service
- Regional route with local service in Smithville connecting to Beamsville GO
- Doubled microtransit capacity to meet 99% demand
Option 4
- Largest increase in level of service at 5x
- Regional route with service to Grimsby, Hamilton and Welland
- Local Smithville route with broad coverage of new development areas
Spring 2024
Round 1: Today and Tomorrow
There is a survey and in-person pop-ups to hear from residents about Niagara Region Transit as it is today and what their priorities should be in the future.
The survey is online and has been extended to June 21, 2024.
Today and Tomorrow Survey (This survey is now closed.)
Contact
Heather Talbot
Corporate Services Consultant
1-833-678-5463, ext 271
heather.talbot@nrtransit.ca
Project Timeline
September – December 2023
Procurement Process and Approvals
January 2024
Request for Proposal Awarded to Left Turn Right Turn
February 2024
Project Kickoff Meeting
March – April 2024
Discovery
December 2024
Implementation Plan Development
January – February 2025
Interim Report
June 17, 2025
Transit Master Plan approved in principle
August 2025
Community Awareness Campaign to begin