Transit plays a crucial role in the ability for people with disabilities to fully engage in the services, programs and facilities available across the region. The County of Simcoe is committed to ensuring the transit services it provides meet the highest standards of accessibility to achieve this goal. The County of Simcoe continues to operate and expand both conventional and specialized transit through its LINX and Linx Plus (“LINX+”) programs. Specialized transit provides a vital on-demand point to point transit service for qualified individuals in a timely manner at no additional cost over conventional transit. LINX transit experienced a significant year-over-year increase in ridership of both its conventional and specialized transit services. The County takes pride in ensuring the highest standards of accessibility in its transit service is provided to its ridership.

The County has continued to ensure its compliance with the Transportation Standards Regulation. This includes:

• Ensuring current information regarding specialized transit, conventional transit, routes and services available are posted for the public’s information on the County’s website.  
• Providing appropriate notice of service interruptions for both conventional and specialized transit and taking reasonable steps to accommodate people with disabilities in the event of non-functioning equipment.
• Providing notice to the public of accessible equipment and features of all vehicles, routes and services, and providing said information in accessible formats upon request.
• Ensuring its operator First Student trains all transit operators on accessible service as well as job-specific training for: 
• The safe use of accessibility equipment and features; 
• Acceptable modifications to procedures in situations where temporary barriers exist, or accessibility equipment on a vehicle fails; 
• Emergency preparedness and response procedures that provide for the safety of persons with disabilities; 
• Ensuring mobility aids and assistive devices are stored safely within reach of the person with the disability who uses the assistive device at no charge. 
• Receiving, evaluating and responding to feedback from members of the public on accessibility matters and barriers to service.
• An application process for visitors to the County of Simcoe who wish to temporarily access specialized transportation services that ensures appropriate access to qualified individuals while offering the same fares and hours of service as conventional transit.

The County continued to operate para-transit vehicles at the long-term care facilities for resident transport. Inspection occurred regularly to ensure accessible and safe transport and to meet requirements of applicable legislation such as the Highway Traffic Act. Equivalent services are available upon request should the long-term care vehicles not be accessible to all residents.   

The County of Simcoe continued to operate its conventional and specialized public transit system that links major urban hubs’ local transit authorities with the County of Simcoe.  LINX+ provides services to people with disabilities, including a fleet of accessible minibuses. For those individuals who cannot use conventional Transit, LINX Plus offers door-to-door service with specialized vehicles within one 1km of our conventional routes. Throughout 2023, average trip distance continued to grow as ridership increased, especially during peak periods.

• 2023 Ridership 
• Conventional – 253,240 (forecast)
• Specialized – 1608

Ridership for specialized transit in 2023 saw significant growth, with a total of 1,608 riders. This figure represents an increase of 33.33% from 2022. From January 2023 to December 2023, 140 applications were received for specialized transit. This was the highest number of applications in a single year, representing an 87% increase in applications over 2022. In instances where applications were refused, County staff followed up with the applicant to make them aware of their status and to help them resubmit their application. Residents can learn more about the accessible transit service on the LINX+ accessible transit website.

Seven new stops have been added to the existing six transit routes to providing greater accessibility and transit options for residents across Simcoe County and beyond. LINX Transit completed a thorough assessment of transit stop hazards and ensured compliance with the AODA at County stops in 2023. Transit bookings have been streamlined through an automated scheduling system as a way to decrease wait times and improve efficiency of service.

Development began on a comprehensive passenger assistance program to provide additional support to individuals with mobility challenges during their transit experience. The transit passenger assistance program will enhance the overall experience and accessibility of public transportation for individuals with unique needs or those requiring additional support.

2023 saw the approval of a new Transportation Master Plan by the Council of the County of Simcoe. As part of this process, a five-year Transit Plan and a 10-year Transit Vision will be developed to better serve all transit customers while ensuring the highest level of accessibility. The County welcomes any feedback, suggestions or improvements to enhance accessibility of services during the development of these vital steering documents.

As per the AODA, LINX Plus allows registered visitors from other municipalities to access LINX+ services. Registered users of LINX Plus from Simcoe County also are provided with the benefit of accessing other specialized transit agencies’ services throughout the GTHA through our Cross-Boundary agreements. Current partnerships include the City of Barrie, City of Orillia, York Region, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), and others.

In-person operator training resumed following the pandemic, with each session spanning 24 hours and covering a comprehensive curriculum that includes defensive driving, customer service, AODA compliance and accessible customer service, mobility aid securements, and other accessibility related topics.  

Transit Vehicle Standards

All transit vehicles are sourced through a procurement process that ensures the inclusion of all required accessible features such as:

• Priority seating for people with disabilities adjacent to entrances/exits
• Visual and verbal announcements of routes and stops
• Lifting devices, stop request buttons, and grab bars 

In June 2023, LINX Transit ordered four fully accessible conventional buses and one specialized for delivery in early 2025.

In spring 2023, the County of Simcoe underwent an AODA desk audit of its transit vehicles by the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility. This comprehensive Provincial audit reviewed the County’s transit fleet for compliance with the transportation standards. The County provided policies, procedures, videos and images showing full compliance with various aspects of the transportation standards including:

• Accessible vehicle procurement
• Pre-boarding and on-board announcements
• Allocated mobility aid spaces
• Stop requests and emergency responses controls
• Lighting and flooring
• Lifting devices