Micro-transit
The Town has completed a feasibility study on micro-transit (click here or link on right). This page has been created to share updated information about our findings, and to gather further ideas and feedback from the community. Thank you to all who provided feedback for the first draft. Read on for a brief re-cap and to learn about the recommended micro-transit options for Wolfville.
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. |
Consultants at Fathom Studios have completed a micro-transit feasibility study. Below is a summary of their recommendations for micro-transit in Wolfville. Please view the full feasibility study for further details. The feasibility study was completed taking into consideration feedback from community members and transportation stakeholders in the region including taxi companies, Kings Transit Authority and Kings Point-to-Point.
Service Model:
The recommended service model for Wolfville is an on-demand service, allowing riders to use an app or phone call to book the micro-transit vehicle, which would then be dispatched as soon as possible. This options provides the most flexibility, as the vehicles will not be travelling along a set route regardless of the demand at any time. This option provides the least amount of waiting time for riders by allowing the driver to travel directly between destinations, rather than following a route or schedule.
A scheduled transit service along two loops was investigated (shown below), though following trial rides and further consideration, it was determined that a strictly on-demand transit service would be more appropriate for Wolfville.
(Map showing the double loop service)
Recommended Vehicle Type:
Three electric mini-vans have been recommended, the Volkswagon ID. BUZZ, the Toyota Proace Verso, and the Mercedes eSprinter Van (shown below). Each of these vehicles has seating for up to five to six passengers, plus a driver. These smaller, electric vehicles will allow for a transportation option in Town that is small and quiet, reducing disturbances among residential areas and moving around with greater ease than larger vans or buses.
Based on trial runs, with two vehicles running at any time, it could serve about 30-40 passengers per hour. There are no accessible small EV vans available yet, but we estimate they may be 5-7 years away, so Kings Point-to-Point will still play a vital part of accessible transportation in the Town.
Transit Hub:
The Town is investigating options for a new Town Hall and Library. A central Transit Hub may be located at this location where an indoor transit waiting stop may be located. This ensures that users near the site can have a comfortable waiting place for both micro-transit and Kings Transit.
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.
Next Steps
Staff will bring the final feasibility study to Council in the future. Please share your thoughts with us below, to ensure we have captured thoughts from all community members.
| Please check this page for updates as this project progresses! |
Don't forget to fill out the survey below to share your thoughts with us!
