Carleton Place commuters looking for another way into Ottawa will soon have a new option, with a locally operated shuttle service launching October 1st.
EconoBus is offering weekday service from the Tri-Century Mill on McArthur Island in Carleton Place directly to downtown Ottawa, with a 6 a.m. departure and a return trip leaving downtown at 3:15 p.m.
The Ottawa arrival point is St Patrick’s Basilica at 220 Kent Street.
The service guarantees every passengers a seat, rather than requiring them to stand during the commute.
Owner/operator Ben Edelman says the fed’s return to work directive was all he needed to make his business case.
A municipal transit feasibility study identified potential demand for express service from the arena to Ottawa, with travel times generally estimated at 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic and weather.
Unlike conventional intercity bus service, EconoBus is designed specifically around the weekday commuter, taking riders from Carleton Place into the heart of Ottawa and back again.
By using the Kent Street drop off, Edelman says he has easy access to make another run when demand increases. Econobus will start with a 16-seat vehicle and will guarantee that every rider has a seat, removing the unwelcome idea of having to stand for the trek.
The operator says there has already been interest in expanding the service, including the possibility of a later morning departure and eventually serving communities such as Smiths Falls. Edelman reports he also owns a 24-seat bus that will be available soon if demand increases.
The October launch price is $249 plus tax for the month, with the regular monthly price planned at $299 plus tax. You can find all the details at econobus.ca.
Listen to our entire conversation with Edelman below
Story by Brian Turner
