Micro-transit
The Micro Transit Feasibility completed in 2022 has been updated. View the links on the right to check out the updated study and recommendations in full. A summary is shared below:
Wolfville is looking into micro transit (a smaller, community public transportation system just for Wolfville) to make moving around town easier for everyone. The feasibility study recommends using a 20 seater accessible bus to allow people to independently travel through town, navigate steep hills and inclimate weather. Check out the proposed route below, which would run on a half hour schedule.
Unlike the 2022 study which recommended an on-demand transit system, the updated study recommends a fixed route and schedule, with bus stops along Main Street and flag stops through the neighbourhoods - allowing users to wave to the bus to be picked up and dropped off.
Micro-transit is a public transportation option that provides on-demand and/or scheduled transportation service in a specific area. Similar to buses, micro-transit may follow a scheduled route, a flex-schedule to allow for detours to specific pick up and drop off locations, or a strictly on-demand service, like a taxi. We hired consultants to help identify the best models for Wolfville.
Micro-transit may provide solutions to a number of current issues in the town:
Climate Action: Transportation makes up 21% of Wolfville's greenhouse gas emissions profile (shown below), and 24% of the region's emissions (Wolfville, Kings County, Berwick and Kentville). While the Town is investing in an All Ages and Abilities Active Transportation Network, not all community members will choose to use active transportation. Therefore, providing an on-demand, sustainable and affordable public transportation option may help fill the gap in transportation for those who prefer vehicular travel.
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That 73% of residents in Wolfville use a personal car to commute, and less than 2% use the bus? |
Parking and Traffic: Parking and traffic have long been issues in Wolfville, particularly during peak tourist season in the summer. Micro-transit may provide an appealing alternative to private vehicle ownership by linking residential areas to key destinations such as grocery stores, shops, schools, healthcare services and to the regional Kings Transit bus stops and routes. By reducing the need for vehicle ownership, residents can save money on car expenses and fuel, and local businesses can benefit by having more community members opting to shop in Town due to ease of access and a greater availability of parking spaces.
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Most car trips in Wolfville are less than 2km long. This means there is a great opportunity to reduce or eliminate short trips made by car by providing appealing alternatives. |
The Town will continue to explore options for micro-mobility. Micro-mobility simply refers to smaller modes of transportation such as bicycles and scooters. Many cities across the globe are implementing e-scooter and e-bike pilot programs to encourage active transportation for all types of use, as well as to reduce climate change causing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Town has already seen great success with the three e-bikes available to rent for free at the Wolfville Memorial Library during the summer. A micro-mobility program in the Town could involve the expansion of this program or an e-scooter program.
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