April 3 deadline for public input

STO makes big changes for Aylmer routes

The STO is planning an overhaul of Aylmer’s transit network, to take effect August 29. The changes were made public in early March and residents have until April 3 to post their reactions with the public transit company. The STO’s last restructuring in Aylmer was in 2007. Since then, Aylmer has grown considerably and transit changes are needed.

A key piece of the transit system, the Hippodrome Park-and-Ride, is slated to close as building continues in that area. The Aylmer Road Park-and-Ride has 300 spaces and the STO has several options.

“Expanding the Rivermead Park-and-Ride is an option, but would not make up the parking spaces lost. By improving service, the STO is encouraging riders to take a bus closer to home, as well as upgrading the park-and-ride facilities at Allumettières and Galeries Aylmer to optimize existing infrastructure,” stated the STO.

The Rivermead Park-and-Ride has over 500 parking spots, 380 more than the Des Allumettières Park-and-Ride. The Galeries Park-and-Ride has 35 spaces.

Lines 59, 55

The STO aims to improve service during peak and off-peak periods by changes to Route 59, and other modifications, for the short term. Effective August 29, Route 59 will start from the Des Allumettières Park-and-Ride and go down Eardley Road to reach rue Principale. It will continue along Aylmer Road to reach Rivermead’s park-and-ride where it will take its usual route to Ottawa. Route 59’s frequency will also increase during peak hours, becoming Aylmer’s most frequent route. During peak periods, buses will pass every 15 minutes or less.