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Now easier for companies to provide passenger transportation services

The Ontario Northland Transportation Commission operates intercommunity bus services throughout northern Ontario connecting to Toronto, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, and into Manitoba to Winnipeg.
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Photo by Jeff Turl.

It's now easier for companies to provide passenger transportation services between communities in Ontario.

“Under the previous system it was difficult for businesses that offered bus service to begin operating on a new route, even in situations where there was no service being offered,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “By cutting red tape, we are making it easier for carriers to offer transportation services to communities where there is a need.”

Previously, one carrier was given a licence to operate a certain route for a particular destination or city. Effective July 1, carriers do not need a license to operate a new route and multiple carriers may offer service along the same or complementary routes.

It was big news in North Bay five years ago when a private company offered transportation to Mattawa, and this change may encourage other routes.

See: New service links Mattawa and North Bay

The Ontario Northland Transportation Commission operates intercommunity bus services throughout northern Ontario connecting to Toronto, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, and into Manitoba to Winnipeg.

The government says safety was a critical consideration while consulting with the industry on ways to modernize the sector.

"Intercommunity passenger transportation carriers will still be required to meet safety requirements under the Highway Traffic Act and through the Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration process," says Mulroney.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, almost two million people did not have access to an intercommunity passenger transportation route, and half of all municipalities did not have an intercommunity passenger transportation stop within their boundaries.

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Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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