New bus route from Barrie links students to Georgian, Lakehead

Orillia Packet and Times

Beginning Monday, Lakehead University students, faculty and staff will be able to take a new shuttle between Lakehead’s 500 University Ave. campus and Barrie.

The new transit link, established by Lakehead and Hammond Transportation, will provide service between the Lakehead and the Barrie Bus Terminal four times a day (Monday to Friday), as well as on weekends.

“We are proud to play a role in providing Lakehead Orillia’s students, staff and faculty with reliable and regular transportation service,” Greg Hammond, president of Hammond Transportation, said in a release.

“This new service will be tremendously beneficial to students, staff and faculty, who will now have another way of accessing the university,” added Kim Fedderson, dean and vice-provost of the Orillia campus. “Bringing regional transit into the Orillia campus has always been a priority for us. It is great to see this new service now in place, helping to facilitate the continued growth of Lakehead in Simcoe County.”

The Hammond service, which offers a special discounted rate plan (including single-ride, return and multiple-ride options), is available to Lakehead students, faculty and staff, effective Monday.

Students living in the Muskoka region will also be able to take advantage of discounted fares, as a Lakehead stop has been added to Hammond's Highway 11 service from Muskoka, Monday to Friday.

Lakehead’s discounted rates will also be extended to any Georgian College student who wants to use the service. The route to Lakehead includes stops at Georgian College’s Barrie and Orillia campuses.

“Georgian College and Lakehead University have a close working relationship and this agreement is something we hope will be of benefit to ... Georgian and Lakehead students alike,” said Frank Cappadocia, associate vice-provost of the Lakehead Orillia campus, who worked with Hammond to set up the discounted rates.

Lakehead students, staff and faculty will have an opportunity to try out the new service for free next week. During the first week of service, from Sept. 8 to 13, Hammond will offer rides at no charge to those who present a valid Lakehead ID card.

Further details, including rates and schedules, can be found at lakeheadu.ca/about/orillia-campus/transportation/hammond-bus-service.