The City of Owen Sound is set to test minor timing changes to Owen Sound Transit this winter as part of a pilot project aimed at improving on-time service during busy afternoon periods.
Transit officials say buses are most likely to fall behind schedule in the early and mid-afternoon, when traffic volumes increase due to school dismissals, construction activity, and winter weather. While recent adjustments have helped improve overall reliability, maintaining a consistent 30-minute schedule during peak periods has continued to be a challenge.
Starting February 1, 2026, the City will introduce two extended weekday afternoon trips as part of a six-month pilot. One trip will run for 45 minutes between 12:30 p.m. and 1:15 p.m., with a second 45-minute trip beginning at 3:15 p.m. Outside of these windows, Owen Sound Transit will continue to operate on its regular 30-minute schedule.
City staff will be gathering feedback from riders throughout the pilot to help evaluate the changes. A customer survey is planned for May or June, giving transit users an opportunity to share how the revised timing is affecting their daily travel and whether the adjustments are meeting their needs.
Owen Sound Transit operates from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays.
