Master Plan Project

Niagara Transit Service and Facilities Master Plan

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.

Key Elements of the Master Plan

Service Strategy Optimization

Developing transit solutions that increase accessibility, improve efficiency, and meet ridership needs effectively.

Asset Utilization

Managing vehicles and infrastructure to maximize sustainability and ensure long-term reliability.

Route and Stop Optimization

Enhancing the placement and frequency of routes and stops to serve transit users better.

Customer Experience Improvements

Focusing on comfort, safety, affordability, and overall user satisfaction

Round 1: NTC Today and Tomorrow
Spring 2024 - COMPLETED

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.)

Round 2: Exploring Possibilities

January 2025 - February 2025

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

Most similar to the current network
Moderate increase in transit investment
Two new routes:

Grimsby/Winona Park (connections to Hamilton)
Crystal Beach (reintroducing fixed-route in Fort Erie)

Microtransit will be used to connect into the regional network (more passenger transfers)
Service runs between 6 am and midnight every day

Service Types

Regional Routes: Main regional connections between municipalities
Smaller Urban Routes: Local service within municipalities

Key Destinations

Future Grimsby GO
Future Beamsville GO
St. Catharines GO
Niagara Falls GO
St. Catharines Terminal
Niagara College NOTL
Brock University
Clifton Hill
Niagara South Hospital
Niagara College Welland
Welland Terminal

Performance Metrics (Compared to Today)

Total Service Hours: Ranks 3rd
Projected Ridership: Ranks 4th
Average Travel Time Savings: Ranks 4th

Option 1 - Conventional Network

Niagara Transit Master Plan: Conventional Network 2035 - Option 1

Key Features

Most similar to the current network
Moderate increase in transit investment
2 Rapid Bus routes (frequent and limited stop service):

1 in St. Catharines
1 in Niagara Falls

Minimal service for new development
Slight increase in fixed-route coverage
Service runs between 6 am and midnight every day

Service Types

Rapid Routes: 10-minute peak frequency, Limited stops, Transit priority
Corridor Routes: 15-minute peak frequency
Base Routes: 16-30 minute peak frequency

Key Destinations

Niagara Health
St. Catharines GO
St. Catharines Terminal
Fairview Mall
Glendale
Brock University
Niagara Falls GO
Clifton Hill
Lundy's Lane + Drummond
Niagara South Hospital
Niagara College Welland
Welland Terminal

Performance Metrics (Compared to Today)

Total Service Hours: Ranks 3rd
Projected Ridership: Ranks 4th
Average Travel Time Savings: Ranks 4th

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

Moderate increase in transit investment
Major expansion of the network to connect:

Grimsby/Winona Park
Beamsville
Smithville
Pelham
Dunnville
Crystal Beach
Niagara-on-the-Lake

Three new local routes in Grimsby, Port Colborne, and Fort Erie
Service runs between 5:30am – 1:30am every day, with reduced hours on Sunday

Service Types

Regional Routes: Main regional connections between municipalities
Smaller Urban Routes: Local service within municipalities

Key Destinations

Future Grimsby GO
Future Beamsville GO
St. Catharines GO
Niagara Falls GO
St. Catharines Terminal
Niagara College NOTL
Brock University
Clifton Hill
Niagara South Hospital
Niagara College Welland
Welland Terminal

Performance Metrics (Compared to Today)

Total Service Hours: Ranks 4th
Projected Ridership: Ranks 3rd
Average Travel Time Savings: Ranks 2nd

Option 2 - Conventional Network

Niagara Transit Master Plan: Conventional Network 2035 - Option 2

Key Features

Moderate increase in transit investment
Two Rapid Bus routes (frequent and limited stop service):

One in St. Catharines
One in Niagara Falls

15-minute frequency on corridor routes at peaks
Minimal planning for planned growth
Slight increase in local fixed-route coverage
Service runs between 5:30am – 1:30am every day, with reduced hours on Sunday

Service Types

Rapid Routes: 10-minute peak frequency, Limited stops, Transit priority
Corridor Routes: 15-minute peak frequency
Base Routes: 16-30 minute peak frequency

Key Destinations

Niagara Health
St. Catharines GO
St. Catharines Terminal
Fairview Mall
Glendale
Brock University
Niagara Falls GO
Clifton Hill
Lundy's Lane + Drummond
Niagara South Hospital
Niagara College Welland
Welland Terminal

Performance Metrics (Compared to Today)

Total Service Hours: Ranks 4th
Projected Ridership: Ranks 3rd
Average Travel Time Savings: Ranks 2nd

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

Largest increase in transit investment
Some expansion of the network to connect:

Grimsby/Winona Park
Beamsville
Smithville
Pelham
Crystal Beach
NOTL

8 new local routes in:

Grimsby
Port Colborne
Fort Erie
Crystal Beach
NOTL

More than doubles microtransit service (99% of projected trips are fulfilled)
Service runs 24 hours on weekdays, with reduced hours on weekends

Service Types

Regional Routes: Main regional connections between municipalities
Smaller Urban Routes: Local service within municipalities

Key Destinations

Future Grimsby GO
Future Beamsville GO
St. Catharines GO
Niagara Falls GO
St. Catharines Terminal
Niagara College NOTL
Brock University
Clifton Hill
Niagara South Hospital
Niagara College Welland
Welland Terminal

Performance Metrics (Compared to Today)

Total Service Hours: Ranks 1st
Projected Ridership: Ranks 1st
Average Travel Time Savings: Ranks 1st

Option 3 - Conventional Network

Niagara Transit Master Plan: Conventional Network 2035 - Option 3

Key Features

Largest increase in transit investment
Improves transit access the most for the region and adds transit in areas of growth
Five Rapid Bus routes (frequent and limited stop service):

Three in St. Catharines
Two in Niagara Falls

15-minute frequency in all urban centres at peaks
Largest high-frequency/15-minute network
Service runs 24 hours on weekdays, with reduced hours on weekends

Service Types

Rapid Routes: 10-minute peak frequency, Limited stops, Transit priority
Corridor Routes: 15-minute peak frequency
Base Routes: 16-30 minute peak frequency

Key Destinations

Niagara Health
St. Catharines GO
St. Catharines Terminal
Fairview Mall
Glendale
Brock University
Niagara Falls GO
Clifton Hill
Lundy's Lane + Drummond
Niagara South Hospital
Niagara College Welland
Welland Terminal

Performance Metrics (Compared to Today)

Total Service Hours: Ranks 1st
Projected Ridership: Ranks 1st
Average Travel Time Savings: Ranks 1st

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

Significant increase in transit investment
Major expansion of the network to connect:

Grimsby/Winona Park
Beamsville
Smithville
Pelham
Dunnville
Crystal Beach
NOTL

Focuses less on microtransit
11 new local routes in:

Grimsby
Beamsville
Smithville
Port Colborne
Fort Erie
Crystal Beach
NOTL

Service runs 24 hours, using microtransit and some fixed-route overnight

Service Types

Regional Routes: Main regional connections between municipalities
Smaller Urban Routes: Local service within municipalities

Key Destinations

Future Grimsby GO
Future Beamsville GO
St. Catharines GO
Niagara Falls GO
St. Catharines Terminal
Niagara College NOTL
Brock University
Clifton Hill
Niagara South Hospital
Niagara College Welland
Welland Terminal

Performance Metrics (Compared to Today)

Total Service Hours: Ranks 2nd
Projected Ridership: Ranks 2nd
Average Travel Time Savings: Ranks 3rd

Option 4 - Conventional Network

Niagara Transit Master Plan: Conventional Network 2035 - Option 4

Key Features

Significant increase in transit investment, similar per capita for all municipalities
Four Rapid Bus routes (frequent and limited stop service):

Two in St. Catharines
Two in Niagara Falls

15-minute frequency in all urban centres at peaks
Second largest high-frequency network
Service runs 24 hours, using microtransit and some fixed-route overnight

Service Types

Rapid Routes: 10-minute peak frequency, Limited stops, Transit priority
Corridor Routes: 15-minute peak frequency
Base Routes: 16-30 minute peak frequency

Key Destinations

Niagara Health
St. Catharines GO
St. Catharines Terminal
Fairview Mall
Glendale
Brock University
Niagara Falls GO
Clifton Hill
Lundy's Lane + Drummond
Niagara South Hospital
Niagara College Welland
Welland Terminal

Performance Metrics (Compared to Today)

Total Service Hours: Ranks 2nd
Projected Ridership: Ranks 2nd
Average Travel Time Savings: Ranks 3rd

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

Round 3: Transit Master Plan Approved

The Niagara Transit Commission Board approved the Transit Master Plan 10-Year Investment and Growth Strategy (2026-2035) in principle at its meeting on June 17, 2025.

A community engagement campaign will begin in August 2025 to inform residents about the plan.

Contact

Heather Talbot - Niagara Transit

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