Transit Service Optimization Review

Help transform transit in Thunder Bay!

The City of Thunder Bay is reviewing its public transit system and services to better serve the community. As Thunder Bay continues to grow and evolve, this study will explore opportunities to improve and modernize the public transit network and help guide the future of transit to better meet the changing needs of residents, workers, students, and visitors.

The findings of this study will inform short, medium and long-term strategies that will enhance the transit system, improve the rider experience, and attract new transit users.

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Project Overview

In partnership with transit experts from Via Strategies, we are conducting a comprehensive six-month analysis of our current transit landscape. The study aims to make our services more productive, cost-effective, and sustainable by identifying where we can improve efficiency and accessibility across the city.

Key areas of focus include:

Network Improvements: Analyzing our 20 fixed routes to identify where we can improve travel times and service gaps.
Lift+ Innovation: Evaluating our specialized transit service to find ways to make it more efficient and user-friendly.
New Service Options: Exploring on-demand microtransit services that can fill gaps where traditional buses may not be the most effective solution.
Data-Driven Planning: Using detailed analysis and community feedback to ensure any proposed changes are cost-effective and meet community needs.

Project Goals

This study is guided by several core objectives to ensure Thunder Bay remains a connected and accessible community:

Identify short, medium and long-term strategies for a cohesive and coordinated city-wide transportation system.
Respond to unique needs by considering socio-demographic trends and geographic features across our diverse neighborhoods.
Improve reliability and overall quality of service for both daily commuters and occasional riders.
Create implementable outcomes, ensuring that recommendations are not just theoretical but provide a practical, phased set of service changes.

Why We're Doing This

Thunder Bay’s transit network has evolved over many decades. As travel patterns, neighbourhoods, and rider needs continue to change, this study will help ensure our transit system remains reliable, accessible, and responsive for the future.

The final recommendations, scheduled for completion in late 2026, will provide a phased implementation roadmap to guide the future of transit in Thunder Bay.

Get Involved

We want to hear from you! We need your input to determine the best path forward for Thunder Bay. Residents will have several opportunities to participate throughout the study, including:

Online survey
Open house opportunities
Stakeholder Advisory Committee meetings
And more!

Stay Informed

We will update this page regularly with opportunities to engage and project milestones.

Reliable, accessible public transit is essential to a growing, inclusive city, connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare, and community. Feedback from the Smart Growth Action Plan identified transit as a key community priority, with residents emphasizing the need for a more efficient, convenient, and responsive service.

This work directly supports Action Item 35 of Plan by addressing service gaps, optimizing routes, and enhancing the rider experience. It will strengthen connections to employment, support workforce mobility, and contribute to a more accessible, connected, and vibrant city, while advancing the key Smart Growth pillars of readiness, talent, and attraction.