Charlottetown’s weekend bus service has seen significant improvements recently. T3 Transit introduced new Saturday and Sunday schedules on six different routes – the 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, and 23. City Councilor Trevor MacKinnon, chair of the city’s environment and sustainability committee, highlighted this as the most substantial service expansion since T3 Transit’s inception over two decades ago.
MacKinnon expressed that this year’s service enhancements, amounting to a 15% route increase, were a result of heightened demand from various demographics in recent years. The latest additions were part of a series of expansions following a 2024 public transit plan consultation, where feedback from nearly 400 respondents emphasized the need for improved services beyond standard working hours.
The initial Sunday service on August 16 showed a remarkable 40% increase in ridership compared to typical figures for the season, as mentioned by T3 Transit. MacKinnon credited the expansion to collaborative efforts between city staff and T3 Transit, culminating in additional trips and altered routes to cater to evolving residential needs.
The city’s population growth has slowed, with fewer international students and temporary residents arriving and more people leaving the island. Despite a slight decline in student ridership, MacKinnon noted that overall transit demand remained robust, especially among the general population commuting for various purposes.
The enhanced weekend service not only addresses the growing demand for flexible transit options but also contributes to alleviating parking challenges and reducing emissions in Charlottetown.