Transportation or Lack There Of…

Transportation is something we may not think much about—until we don’t have it.

For many residents, getting around Goderich means getting into their vehicle and driving where they need to go. But what happens when you don’t drive, don’t own a vehicle, can no longer drive, have mobility challenges, or simply need another option?

Transportation affects our seniors, young people, people with disabilities, workers, families and residents trying to get to medical appointments, groceries, recreation and other services.

I believe this is a conversation we need to have.

What Are the Challenges?

Goderich does not operate a traditional municipal transit system. We do have regional transportation services and taxis, but there are still gaps.

A transportation service isn’t truly useful if it doesn’t operate when and where people need it.

Can someone get to an early morning shift?

Can a senior get to a medical appointment and home again?

Can someone without a vehicle get groceries, visit the hospital or attend a community event?

Can our residents easily travel between Goderich and neighbouring communities?

And are our streets, sidewalks, crossings and intersections safe and accessible for people who walk, cycle or use mobility devices?

These are the questions I believe we need to be asking.

Does Goderich Need a Bus System?

Maybe—but I don’t believe we should automatically assume that a traditional bus system is the answer.

Before committing taxpayers to purchasing buses, hiring drivers and creating another municipal service, we should understand exactly what transportation needs are not currently being met.

One option worth seriously exploring is on-demand transportation or microtransit.

Instead of a large bus continuously travelling a fixed route, smaller accessible vehicles can respond to booked trips and group passengers travelling in similar directions.

Residents could potentially book a ride by telephone or through an app.

For a community the size of Goderich, this may offer more flexibility while controlling costs.

Start Small. Measure It. Learn From It.

I would like to see us investigate whether a pilot project could work in Goderich.

A pilot could connect important destinations such as:

Downtown and the Square
Alexandra Marine & General Hospital and medical services
Grocery stores and shopping areas
Seniors’ residences
Recreation facilities
Residential neighbourhoods
Employment areas
The waterfront

Then we measure the results.

How many people used it? Where were they travelling? What times were busiest? How long did they wait? What did each trip cost? Did the service actually improve people’s ability to get around?

That gives Council real information before making a long-term financial commitment.

What I Would Work Toward

I would support taking a serious look at a Transportation and Mobility Study for Goderich.

Not a study designed to justify a decision that has already been made.

A study that asks residents what they actually need, looks at the evidence, examines different models, identifies partnerships and funding opportunities, and tells Council what each option would cost.

I don’t have all the answers—and I don’t believe anyone should pretend that they do.

But I do believe we should be asking the questions.

How do we make it easier, safer and more affordable for people to move around Goderich?

Let’s gather the information, listen to the people who need transportation, look at innovative solutions and make a decision based on what works for our community.

Focused. Dedicated. Community.