Only seven months into a two-year pilot project, Amherstburg Town Council voted to make Transit Windsor service between the city and the town permanent.
Transit Windsor only started providing three routes a day in September, and with 3,348 riders so far, the organization expects ridership to improve.
"I think people have realized the value of that service," said Executive Director Tyson Cragg. "I know Amherstburg has some high expectations as well, in terms of summer ridership, going into Amherstburg. They're looking forward to some tourism opportunities."
Cragg said ridership on Route 605 is already better than expected, and a report to town councillors said it takes at least 18 months to grow those numbers.
Whether it could mean an increase in service, he couldn't say. It's a decision for Amherstburg down the road.
"They're the ones who dictate the frequency and the times of the trips, so if they decide that they want more trips, we'd be happy to accommodate it," explained Cragg. He called the town a "great partner" and anticipates a long relationship with Amherstburg.
There is a bonus for Amherstburg. Making the service permanent means it can receive gas tax revenue from the province. Retroactive to September, that could be $113,000 for its transit reserve fund. Amherstburg's 2023 budget includes a $200,000 investment with estimated revenues of around $60,000.
The decision doesn't mean Transit Windsor won't have to negotiate with the town going forward.
"It was a two-year agreement to start, so there will still be a process to renew that agreement two years after the start date," he said. "If anything, it shows -- they see the value in it."