Celebrate transit with a selfie to #RideOakBus by Michael Gregory Oakville Beaver Staff 5 | Thursday, January 15, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Oakville Transit continues to see modest increases in ridership and, in 2014, the bus service topped three million rides for the first time in its history. The milestone represents a 22-per cent increase in ridership since the transit system was revamped five years ago, according to the Town of Oakville. "This significant increase in annual ridership validates the commitment council has made in supporting a safe, sustainable and accessible public transportation system," said Mayor Rob Burton. In 2014, ridership increased by 1.8 per cent as 53,784 more people rode the bus compared to the previous year's 2,961,712. By comparison, users rode Oakville Transit 2,914,553 times in 2012. "We are delighted a growing number of residents are recognizing that Oakville Transit offers a green and convenient way to travel throughout town and make connections to neighbouring public transit systems," Burton said. The Town redesigned Oakville Transit in 2009 to adopt a grid-based route system, resulting in a bus service focused less around local GO stations and more on increases crosstown service. riders," said Barry Cole, director of Oakville Transit. Oakville Transit recently completed a review to improve future service and later this year will roll out "an Intelligent Transportation System that will allow riders to access personalized, real-time bus location and arrival information from their computer or mobile device," Cole said. In November, the Town received $2.3-million from the Province as part of the Ontario Gas Tax Program to improve public transit. The funds in recent years have been used to increase the size of the specialized care-A-van fleet by 50 per cent and upgrade infrastructure at over 100 bus stops to improve accessibility. To celebrate the three-million milestone, Oakville Transit is encouraging riders to snap a selfie the next time they're on a bus for a chance to win one of three $100 Presto cards. The photos can be tweeted to @oakvilletransit with the hashtag #RideOakBus. The contest started Monday and will continue until Sunday, Jan. 18. Winners will be notified via Twitter by Tuesday, Jan. 20. ck ! iT's ba bac k! Enjoy a Quarter of our Rotisserie Chicken glazed with Honey Garlic sauce and grilled fresh to order. Served with your choice of side, coleslaw, a piece of garlic toast and a cup of soup or slice of pie. Oakville Transit reached three million rides for the first time in its history in 2014. | Oakville Beaver file photo Ridership numbers that year were 2,480,406. "Continual improvement is critical to maintaining rider loyalty and attracting new 12.49 *White meat add 1.50 ONLY * LIMITED TIME OFFER. While supplies last. All applicable taxes extra. Upgrade of sides extra. Upgrade from a cup to a bowl of soup for $1 more. ®Reg. T.M. Cara Operations Limited. NAT (TIER1,2,3)-E 01/15 Delivery & Call Ahead Pickup 1-866-439-0439 www.swisschalet.ca HOME · GIFTS · FASHION NEW ARRIVALS INJURED? I Can Help! YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY My team of experienced lawyers can help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca Thomas Sabo | Pandora | Fine Diamonds | Kameleon | Brighton 30 Ancaster Walmart Plaza 1090 Wilson St. W. 905-304-3044 Show her you love her Until Valentines Day % OFF DiamonDs Oakville Walmart Plaza 275 Hays Blvd. 905-257-0067 Financing Available! Burlington Winners Plaza 2435 Appleby Line 905-331-4477 Shop op Online O Gift Card www.apassionforliving.com Sam Spadafora Injury and Employment Law