City's 'Eco-Mobility' program aimed at students

It was good news for the City of North Bay Transit Department this week as they learned they will receive funds (up to $50,000) from the federal government for a project to develop an outreach program to encourage local secondary school students and those with physical disabilities to use public transportation.

The city conducted surveys in 2006 and 2007 that identified very few students were regular transit users instead they were using private transportation. The survey also found that the majority of student respondents were unaware of basic transit information, such as bus routes that service their school.

"This could be a great way to attract a whole new series of passengers to our transit system---the high school students who might not think of busses as a viable option,” states Chair of Community Services, Councillor Mike Anthony.

“They might rely on driving their own vehicle or getting their parents to drive them; when transit use could get a lot more students to school without all those cars lining up and idling outside waiting for the kids."

"Also it's great to see why our city was chosen for this national initiative. The 'Eco-Mobility' program is aimed at helping cities find unique ways to address environmentally friendly travel for their citizens. We are one of just 14 places to receive this type of funding; showing again that we are trying to be leaders when it comes to environmentally friendly efforts."

The program includes the following activities:

1. Presentations: Transit staff is preparing presentations and speaking with students at orientation events in order to raise awareness and answer questions about the local transit system.

2. Promotional Package: The City is developing a package of promotional materials specifically tailored to intermediate and secondary students.

3. Complimentary Trip Tickets: To supplement the presentations and the promotional materials, students attending the information sessions will receive up to 5 complimentary trip tickets to encourage them to use the transit system.