Ride CK OnRequest Public Transit is expanding in the Municipality.
Wallaceburg OnRequest, a new urban public transit service open to all residents and visitors, launches on Monday, July 18, 2022. This service will operate Monday to Saturday from 7:00 am to 7:15 pm, and Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, excluding holidays.
Unlike a traditional fixed route bus service, OnRequest (or "on-demand") requires riders to book a trip between bus stops using a mobile app or by calling the transit telephone line. Trips are shared alongside other passengers.
53 designated bus stops in Wallaceburg include both existing stops serviced by Inter-Urban Route A as well as many "virtual" bus stops – meaning no signage is present – to balance reasonable walking distances with service efficiency. Bus stop locations and booking information can be viewed at www.rideck.ca/onrequest.
"With no previous conventional urban transit in Wallaceburg it's going to take some time to build up bus stop infrastructure," said Ann-Marie Millson, Manager of Transit and Capital Asset Management. "But by using virtual stops we can reduce walking distances and be more flexible in making adjustments to locations in case travel needs are different than we forecasted."
At the time of booking the rider will be directed where to wait for the bus based on their location and the approaching direction of the bus. Up to two low-floor fully accessible transit vehicles will be on-duty to deliver requested trips. Riders with a disability who have been approved for Wallaceburg Accessible specialized transit will continue to receive curb-to-curb service. There are no impacts to Inter-Urban Route A which provides service between Wallaceburg, Dresden, and Chatham.
Chatham OnRequest expands to Sundays effective Sunday, July 17, 2022. Sunday service will operate from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, excluding holidays. Existing bus stops used for the weekday evening Chatham OnRequest service will be available.
"Transit on Sundays has been a longtime ask from Chatham residents," continued Millson. "While we don't anticipate high enough demand to support the extension of our fixed route network to Sundays, OnRequest will be perfect for those who need to run errands or looking to attend church services."
In March 2020 the Municipality of Chatham-Kent began a pilot of OnRequest transit service in Chatham during weekday evenings after fixed route service concludes. It was later approved as a permanent service due to strong usage and positive feedback. OnRequest was identified in the Driving Forward Transit Strategy as the preferred option for transit delivery during times and locations with lower ridership due to both cost and service efficiency.
A $2.50 exact cash fare applies to all urban Ride CK services in Chatham-Kent or riders can load a smart card with a Cash Pass or 30-Day Urban Pass for a greater discount. More information is available at www.rideck.ca or the new 
Ride CK Service Guide can be picked up at any Municipal Centre.
