Niagara Transit (NT) and Optibus have announced a new partnership to implement Optibus Planning, Scheduling, Rostering, Operations and Driver apps for public transit across Ontario’s Niagara region.
The partnership follows the finalisation of Niagara Transit’s first Transit Master Plan, which will see the operator provide both improvements and investments that aim to build a more connected community over the next decade.
The operator also saw a number of statistical improvements throughout 2024, with the doubling of passenger numbers (from 5.6 million in 2022 to 10.9 million in 2024), an 83% on-time performance (OTP) rate on conventional routes, a 90% rider safety rate and the introduction of a new, low-cost monthly pass.
Following the record year, NT have chosen to implement five Optibus software modules to enhance performance across its local network:
- Planning, which looks to utilise real-world data, map-based tools, and performance analytics to design more optimised networks
- Scheduling, which aims to create optimised, cost-effective vehicle and driver schedules
- Rostering, which builds driver rosters aiming to reduce overtime and support workforce satisfaction
- Operations, which allows the user to manage real-time service changes, long-term allocations, and driver availability from a centralised control centre
- Driver App, which equips drivers with one mobile tool to access shift details, make requests, set preferences, and receive updates
Carla Stout, General Manager, Niagara Transit, said:We’re committed to delivering the best possible service to Niagara’s communities. Partnering with Optibus will introduce optimization technologies that support our mission to ensure everyone has access to safe, reliable, and affordable transit — while keeping our operations sustainable and responsive to evolving passenger needs as we grow.
