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Kenora’s on‑demand transit system surpasses 60,000 rides

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The City of Kenora is celebrating a major milestone as its on‑demand transit service, The Wave, has now completed more than 60,000 rides since launching in October 2024.

The Wave was created to replace the City’s fixed‑route bus service with a more flexible, efficient model.

The system allows riders to book trips through a mobile app or by calling 1‑866‑515‑6664. Passengers are directed to nearby virtual stops, where vehicles pick up and drop off riders travelling in similar directions.

Since its launch, the service has seen strong adoption. More than 14,000 rider accounts have been created, representing over 90 percent of Kenora’s population, and monthly ridership is now triple the levels seen under the former fixed‑route bus system.

“The decision to launch Kenora’s own on‑demand microtransit system is working,” said Deputy CAO Heather Pihulak, noting that the service is making transit more convenient and affordable for residents and visitors.

The Wave has also significantly expanded access to public transportation across the city. According to the City, 24 percent more residents can now easily reach transit than before the program began, helping more people connect to jobs, services, healthcare, and daily essentials.

Rider feedback highlights that impact. A recent survey found 77 percent of respondents do not have access to a personal vehicle, and 35 percent say they now travel more often or spend less time travelling because of The Wave.

More information, including booking details and app download links, is available through the City’s transit website.

Fort Frances Handi-transit van June 2019(1)

Federal funding supports transit projects in northwestern Ontario

Specialized transit services are being enhanced in parts of northwestern Ontario.

The federal government is doling out $1.5 million to five projects.

The bulk of the money is going to Lac Seul First Nation.

It will use more than $870,000 to purchase vehicles, bus shelters and other infrastructure to support a local transit service.

Naicatchewenin First Nation, north of Fort Frances, will use $153,883 to purchase a vehicle for community elders to access.

Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre is getting $120,000 for a vehicle that supports the Gizhewaadiziwin Indigenous and Metis Transit Service.

The accessible van will service the towns and Indigenous communities in the Rainy River District.

The Health Access Centre is contributing another $41,000 toward the purchase.

The Indian Youth Friendship Society is receiving $160,000 to purchase an accessible vehicle to be offered to Indigenous peoples living in Thunder Bay and surrounding rural areas.

Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg First Nation (Pic Mobert First Nation) is also purchasing an accessible vehicle with its federal grant of $183,993 as it establishes an on-demand transit system for the community east of White River.

The funding is provided through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund, which supports initiatives that enhance access to public transit in rural, remote, Indigenous and northern communities.