Orillia’s new accessible bus now in service

NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF ORILLIA
*************************
The City of Orillia welcomed a new, fully accessible Orillia Wheelchair Limousine Service (OWLS) mini bus into its transit fleet today. The low-floor community shuttle provides specialized transit service to those with accessibility needs in Orillia.

“Council is committed to improving the Orillia transit system and has invested significantly in it over the past few years. A new, more reliable OWLS bus was a very important piece of that puzzle and we are thrilled to now have it available for service,” said Mayor Steve Clarke. “This new mini bus will improve the quality of transportation and level of service the City is able to provide residents who are unable to take conventional transit.”

The new OWLS bus can accommodate three wheelchairs and seating for four passengers. Although smaller than the OWLS bus it is replacing, the new mini bus enables improved service by being able to navigate locations that were previously off-limits due to its predecessor’s large size.

“In addition to the five new accessible, full-size transit buses Orillia added to its fleet, this new OWLS mini bus further highlights the City’s commitment to providing accessible transportation for all residents,” said Jeff Hunter, Manager of Construction and Transit. “We know OWLS users will greatly appreciate the comfort and reliability of this new bus and we look forward to taking new bookings.”

Purchased through the Metrolinx Transit Procurement Initiative, the City of Orillia was one of more than 15 municipalities that participated in the purchase of the same style of accessible mini bus.

The new OWLS bus was approved by Council as part of the 2018 budget for $130,000. Following the procurement process and necessary customization of the vehicle, the new 2019 bus was recently delivered and is now ready to be put into service.

The OWLS bus operates seven days a week with the following hours:

• Monday to Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. to 8: p.m.
• Sunday: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

All OWLS transportation must be pre-booked 24 hours in advance by calling 705-327-0411. For more information visit here.

The City of Orillia is a city of 31,000 people in the heart of Ontario’s Lake Country on the shores of Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe. Visit our website.

*************************