Negotiations between Martin’s Bus Service and Loyalist Township on a rural transit service pilot project came to an end this week.
The company informed township staff they will not be moving forward with the proposed agreement. Staff are now looking for another bus service.
The project looks to create an expansion to the current system including rural routes to Bath, Odessa, and the Taylor-Kidd Industrial Park. The report noted that the $192,000 provided by Lennox and Addington County in the form of a community transportation grant must be spent by March 31, 2025.
Staff recommended funding either an extension of the pilot project from April 1, 2025 to the end of 2025, or a full year in 2025. Council approved up to $400,000 to go towards the project from the township’s provincial gas tax reserve. Staff will be asking the county for an extension to allow more time for negotiations.
