Service reduction results in failing grade for Oakville Transit: Toronto Board of Trade

When it comes to transit service, Oakville is getting a failing mark.

According to transit report cards put together by the Toronto Region Board of Trade, Oakville tied Milton with the worst grade of any transit service in the GTA, receiving a D-.

Based on 2022 transit data, a “significant reduction” in service since 2010 is the main culprit for Oakville’s low grade (0-33 per cent) on the report card.

When it comes to service growth, Oakville was only one of two locations in the GTA to actually have a reduction. The town had a minus 15.51 drop in service growth from 2010 to 2019, with only Guelph (minus 33.77) recording a bigger drop.

Oakville received an overall composite score of 25.96, which, with the exception of Milton (19.34), was the lowest of any of the transit services listed on the regional report card.

Scores from the report were based on a variety of factors, including frequent and basic service coverage, reliability, transit priority, 24-hour service, integration with neighbouring transit systems, and service improvement.

Oakville, along with Milton, is also one of only two transit services that don’t have a maximum 15-minute route. There also remains room for improvement when expanded to every 30 minutes, with 78 per cent of residents and 65 per cent of jobs covered.

Oakville also has no 24-hour service.

The report card does suggest ways Oakville can score an A on the next report card.

That would first require improving their frequent service coverage. A consistent transit service standard on all major routes would help make Oakville Transit a viable option for all type of trips. As well, timed transfers with GO would make regional journeys easier.

Another way is introduce a 24-hour service. Introducing around the clock service will allow shift workers to get to and from their jobs as well as support the night economy.

Finally, the report suggests, it can improve through integration. Improved Go bus service and rail service, along with fare integration, could significantly expand access to a broader talent pool for local businesses.

For the full report, see here.