Service Strategy Optimization>
Developing transit solutions that increase accessibility, improve efficiency, and meet ridership needs effectively.
Niagara Transit Service and Facilities Master Plan
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.
Developing transit solutions that increase accessibility, improve efficiency, and meet ridership needs effectively.
Managing vehicles and infrastructure to maximize sustainability and ensure long-term reliability.
Enhancing the placement and frequency of routes and stops to serve transit users better.
Focusing on comfort, safety, affordability, and overall user satisfaction
August 2025
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:
Riders will have fewer transfers and more direct transit trips, making it easier and quicker to reach their destinations.
Average travel times will be reduced by 25%, meaning all riders will reach their destinations faster and with less waiting.
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.
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.
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.
Stage 1 (2026-2027):
Stage 2 (2028-2030):
Stage 3 (2031-2035):
Stage 1 (2026-2027):
New regional route connecting Grimsby through to St. Catharines, including a connection to Hamilton (HSR).
Two new microtransit hubs in Grimsby with enhanced amenities, leading to improved connections.
Service span expansion: 6 a.m.–midnight.
Add Sunday service on fixed routes and specialty (specialized and microtransit).
Increased availability of specialty services (specialized and microtransit) due to policy changes.
Stage 2 (2028-2030):
New regional route connecting Grimsby through West Lincoln and Pelham, including a connection to Hamilton (HSR) at Winona Crossing.
Introduce two new fixed routes in Grimsby.
Service span expansion: 5:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m.
Stage 3 (2031-2035):
New fixed route in Grimsby.
Enhance service on existing Grimsby fixed route into a 15-minute peak frequency corridor route.
25% increase in microtransit to adapt to regional growth.
Increased fixed route coverage will improve microtransit availability.
Service expansion to include some overnight service.
Stage 1 (2026-2027):
New regional route connecting Grimsby through to St. Catharines, including a connection to Hamilton (HSR)
Two new microtransit hubs in Lincoln with enhanced amenities, leading to improved connections
Service span expansion: 6 a.m.–midnight
Add Sunday service on fixed routes and specialty (specialized and microtransit)
Increased availability of specialty services (specialized and microtransit) due to policy changes
Stage 2 (2028-2030):
New community fixed route in Beamsville
Service span expansion: 5:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m.
Stage 3 (2031-2035):
Increased frequency on regional route connecting to St. Catharines and Grimsby
25% increase in microtransit to adapt to regional growth
Increased fixed route coverage will improve microtransit availability
Service expansion to include some overnight service
Stage 1 (2026-2027):
New regional route connecting Niagara-on-the-Lake village with Virgil and Glendale into Pen Centre, downtown St. Catharines, and St. Catharines GO
New microtransit hubs along regional route with enhanced amenities, leading to improved connections
Service span expansion: 6 a.m.–midnight
Add Sunday service on fixed routes and specialty (specialized and microtransit)
Increased availability of specialty services (specialized and microtransit) due to policy changes
Stage 2 (2028-2030):
Establishment of a major transit hub at Glendale
Improved connectivity from Glendale to other parts of the region, especially St. Catharines and Niagara Falls
More frequent service from Glendale
Service span expansion: 5:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m.
Stage 3 (2031-2035):
New community fixed route within Niagara-on-the-Lake village
Increased frequency for existing routes connecting to Niagara-on-the-Lake
25% increase in microtransit to adapt to regional growth
Increased fixed route coverage will improve microtransit availability
Service expansion to include some overnight service
Stage 1 (2026-2027):
Service span expansion: 6 a.m.–midnight
Add Sunday service on fixed routes and specialty (specialized and microtransit)
Increased availability of specialty services (specialized and microtransit) due to policy changes
Stage 2 (2028-2030):
Major extension of Welland fixed route network will bring two new local routes into Fonthill
Cohesive network for built-up areas of Pelham, Welland, and southern Thorold
Extension of Niagara Falls to Welland regional route to connect to Fonthill
New regional route that connects Pelham to St. Catharines, West Lincoln, Grimsby, and Hamilton
Service span expansion: 5:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m.
Stage 3 (2031-2035):
Welland corridor route provides 15-minute peak frequency to Fonthill
New Welland fixed route connection
Expansion of service area and increased service hours for fixed routes
25% increase in microtransit to adapt to regional growth
Increased fixed route coverage will improve microtransit availability
Service expansion to include some overnight service
Stage 1 (2026-2027):
Service span expansion: 6 a.m.–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
Stage 2 (2028-2030):
Two new, 30-minute frequency community fixed routes
New regional route that originates in Fort Erie and travels through Crystal Beach to Port Colborne, Welland, and ends in St. Catharines
Service span expansion: 5:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m.
Fixed route expansion leads to reduced microtransit trip denials
Stage 3 (2031-2035):
Add new community fixed route to planned development area
25% increase in microtransit to adapt to regional growth
Increased fixed route coverage will improve microtransit availability
Service expansion to include some overnight service
Stage 1 (2026-2027):
Local network redesign to improve service levels and connectivity, including to Brock University and in southern Thorold
Service span expansion: 6 a.m.–midnight
Add Sunday service on fixed routes and specialty (specialized and microtransit)
Increased availability of specialty services (specialized and microtransit) due to policy changes
Stage 2 (2028-2030):
Network changes leading to improved connectivity to all areas of St. Catharines
Expansion of high-frequency service between Thorold and St. Catharines; three 15-minute frequency routes
New routes extend to developed areas of southern Thorold and Thorold South
Service span expansion: 5:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m.
Stage 3 (2031-2035):
Further expansion of high-frequency network
Expansion of fixed route coverage into Thorold South
Improved service frequency within Thorold
Improved connectivity to Niagara Falls
25% increase in microtransit to adapt to regional growth
Increased fixed route coverage will improve microtransit availability
Service expansion to include some overnight service
Stage 1 (2026-2027):
Service span expansion: 6 a.m.–midnight
Add Sunday service on fixed routes and specialty (specialized and microtransit)
Increased availability of specialty services (specialized and microtransit) due to policy changes
Stage 2 (2028-2030):
Service span expansion: 5:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m.
Introduce microtransit for trips within Wainfleet (intracommunity trips)
Stage 3 (2031-2035):
New regional route through Wainfleet, connecting from Dunnville to Welland
Two new microtransit hubs in Wainfleet with enhanced amenities, leading to improved connections
25% increase in microtransit to adapt to regional growth
Increased fixed route coverage will improve microtransit availability
Service expansion to include some overnight service
Stage 1 (2026-2027):
Service span expansion: 6 a.m.–midnight
Add Sunday service on fixed routes and specialty (specialized and microtransit)
Increased availability of specialty services (specialized and microtransit) due to policy changes
Stage 2 (2028-2030):
Service span expansion: 5:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m.
Introduce microtransit for trips within West Lincoln (intracommunity trips)
New regional route through Smithville, connecting from Hamilton and Grimsby to Pelham and St. Catharines
Two new microtransit hubs in Wainfleet with enhanced amenities, leading to improved connections
Stage 3 (2031-2035):
New 30-minute frequency community fixed route within Smithville
25% increase in microtransit to adapt to regional growth
Increased fixed route coverage will improve microtransit availability
Service expansion to include some overnight service
Current: 187 vehicles
2035: 345 vehicles
84% increase
Niagara Falls:
+73 vehicle capacity
Welland:
Rebuild +72 vehicles
Total investment: ~$275M
10-year total: ~$890M
Fleet: $251M
Garages: $275M
Infrastructure: $177M
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 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 NetworkNiagara 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 NetworkNiagara Transit Master Plan: Conventional Network 2035 - Option 1 Key Features
Service Types
Key Destinations
Performance Metrics (Compared to Today)
|
5% Faster on Average
Option 2 - Regional NetworkNiagara 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 NetworkNiagara Transit Master Plan: Conventional Network 2035 - Option 2 Key Features
Service Types
Key Destinations
Performance Metrics (Compared to Today)
|
25% Faster on Average
Option 3 - Regional NetworkNiagara 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 NetworkNiagara Transit Master Plan: Conventional Network 2035 - Option 3 Key Features
Service Types
Key Destinations
Performance Metrics (Compared to Today)
|
30% Faster on Average
Option 4 - Regional NetworkNiagara 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 NetworkNiagara Transit Master Plan: Conventional Network 2035 - Option 4 Key Features
Service Types
Key Destinations
Performance Metrics (Compared to Today)
|
20% Faster on Average
Spring 2024
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.)
Heather Talbot
Corporate Services Consultant
1-833-678-5463, ext 271
heather.talbot@nrtransit.ca
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