Take A Free Ride In The Suburbs

"A growing number of commuter-based communities in the Toronto region are experimenting with free or discounted transit in the hope that residents just might like the bus if they try it."

"Milton is offering a 'Ride for free from 9 to 3' bus service; Mississauga is resurrecting its city centre shuttle; and Markham and Richmond Hill are continuing their joint Lunch Express, which ferries office workers to restaurants in the Highway 407 and Leslie St. area."

"Two home builders are sponsoring the seven-month experiment, which will cost the fledgling transit system $6,500 in lost fares each month. Early numbers suggest ridership is growing on Milton transit, says Milton's chief administrative officer Mario Belvedere."

"Ridership usually drops in the summer, but Milton's July ridership of 12,441 was double that of the previous July. Even if you factor in 10 to 15 per cent from population growth, that's a significant increase, Belvedere said."

"Last year, Milton Transit attracted 85,000 riders. This year, it's hoping the free off-peak program will help it surpass 100,000."