Burlington's £37M transit system struggles with empty buses and low ridership

Burlington’s transit system is facing scrutiny over efficiency and cost. With a £37 million budget for 2026, only 16% of expenses are covered by fares. Meanwhile, most buses run nearly empty, and many residents prefer driving for convenience. The current bus network relies on large vehicles, fixed routes, and set schedules. Yet data shows most seats remain unoccupied, raising questions about wasted capacity. Around 98.5% of property tax payers do not use the service, opting instead for private transport.

Older adults often keep driving due to inconvenient routes and poor accessibility. Even those using the Handi Van service face delays, sometimes booking rides two weeks in advance or paying for taxis on return trips. Many residents also drive to the GO station, finding it more practical than local buses. Councillor Paul Sharman has proposed a shift to smaller Argo buses, already used for HandiVan services. He argues that on-demand transit could match current fare prices while improving flexibility. The suggestion comes as the city reviews its £37 million transit budget, where fare revenue covers just £6 million of costs.

The debate highlights gaps between Burlington’s transit spending and actual usage. With low ridership and high costs, changes like on-demand services could reshape how the system operates. Any adjustments would need to balance affordability, accessibility, and efficiency for residents.