Northumberland residents are genuinely pleased that GO Transit will be providing bus service on a trial basis within the county, starting this summer.
That’s the vibe we received after asking several residents their opinions regarding the new GO service and whether they would use this service once it becomes a reality.
The announcement of the new GO service was made in Cobourg on Tuesday afternoon, April 19, by Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini, who was joined by Ontario Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney and Northumberland County Warden Bob Crate.
Metrolinx has partnered with Northumberland County to establish an on-demand pilot initiative that will offer a first-mile, last-mile connection for commuters – connecting them to Oshawa GO and the broader GO network.
The pilot shuttle service is expected to launch this summer and will connect the communities of Northumberland — from Trent Hills to Port Hope, with stops in Brighton and Cobourg — with each other and with GO service in Oshawa.
Helen McMurray is one of the many Northumberland residents who give the GO Transit initiative a big thumbs up.
“I think it’s fantastic because people don’t want to drive in Toronto anymore so getting the GO will be nice,” said McMurray, who was asked her opinion in downtown Brighton on Wednesday morning.
She added that would be willing to try the GO service, especially to save some money on getting to Toronto’s Pearson airport.
“I can. Just getting to the airport you have to pay $200 to hire a taxi, Quinte Taxi, so it will be nice,” she said.
Jade Moelker, with her husband and children out for a walk in downtown Brighton, noted she’s well pleased that public transportation is being expanded in Northumberland.
“I think public transport is a good idea. It’s only going to benefit people,” said Moelker.
She was, however, a bit hesitant to say she would use the GO service westward into the GTA, noting she is more inclined to commute to Belleville.
“Depends on where the drop-offs are. Maybe. Most of my business is in Belleville, so unfortunately, I may not be the one who
is going to use it. But, I definitely believe increasing transportation and public transportation is a good idea.”
Christina May said she’s happy to see another transportation option open up for Brighton residents.
May noted she and her husband drive, but she knows many neighbours who would definitely use the GO service in Northumberland.
“I personally may not at the moment because I drive and my husband drives obviously, but there would be people in my neighbourhood that I live in because there are a lot of seniors that would probably, more than likely use it,” she said.
Fred Smith is also a fan of the new GO initiative in Northumberland.
Jean Finkle said she heard the news of GO Transit coming to Northumberland on Oldies 100.9 and was delighted with the prospect of the public transit option.
“I was pleased to hear on the radio this morning, 100.9, that it was announced of having this bus service coming through Campbellford, Brighton, Cobourg, into Port Hope and the (Oshawa) GO station, that’s pretty marvelous,” she said.
Although Finkle said she still drives, she’s open to using the GO bus service.
“I just might. I do drive but, however, there are times I just don’t and I like that. It sounds wonderful,” said Finkle.
Debbie Thompson is also excited by the prospect of the GO Transit option coming to Northumberland this summer.
“I think it is absolutely necessary that Northumberland and Brighton included that we have this service for commuters, for travellers and anyone who wants a day visit into the city. It is a fabulous thing to do,” said Thompson.
Asked it she would use the GO service, Thompson answered, “Quite possibly”.
(Written by: Alan Rivett)
