Transportation
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions about our Transporation Program, please contact one of our G.A.P. Office Volunteers by calling 705-641-2225. |
Transportation was identified during our 2020 & 2018 Needs Assessment Surveys as an area of great concern within our community. Gravenhurst Against Poverty has committed to supporting the community and tackling the issue of transportation head-on. The goal was to further enhance the offerings that were available to those in need. There are currently two different G.A.P. transportation offerings:
1) 'No Cost Taxi Program' with Bala Taxi • G.A.P. is proud to set up no-cost taxi rides for essential in-town trips needed by our neighbours for medical appointments, groceries, work, food bank and laundry. How the Program Works: To access the G.A.P. 'No Cost Taxi Program, you must now register for a Transportaion Card. To register, please call 705-646-5349. Calls will be answered and/or returned on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 2:00PM - 4:00PM. Once registered, you will receive a $50 transportation card that can be used for essential trips around Gravenhurst. Once you receive your card, you can book your ride directly with Bala Taxi by calling 705-205-0868. Your card will contain 10 x $5.00 spots. When all 10 are used, you need to contact a G.A.P. volunteer to obtain another card. The number is 705-646-5349. You do not need to be registered for our Food Program to register for our Transportation Program. As of August 1st 2021, Bala Taxi will no longer book G.A.P. sponsored rides without the Transportation Card. The Transportation Card has no commercial value, and can only be used to book cab rides paid for by Gravenhurst Against Poverty. Taxi rides that will be paid for by Gravenhurst Against Poverty are rides to and from essential such as Groceries, Medical Appointments, Job Interviews and to access Laundry services. 2) Volunteer Driver Program G.A.P. is pleased to announce a soft launch of a Volunteer Driver Program for our neighbours in need. Those wishing to access the program will register ahead of time with the office volunteer at the G.A.P. office inside the Trinity United Church (290 Muskoka Road North) or by calling 705-641-2225. Registration is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between the hours of 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Once registered, neighbours will be given a name and phone number to contact in order to coordinate rides. Proof of Covid-19 vaccination will be required as part of registering. |
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Corridor 11 Bus (Muskoka Community Transportation)
The Corridor 11 Bus connects communities north and south via Highway 11. The bus currently runs Monday to Friday from Huntsville to Orillia and back, making stops along the way in Port Sydney, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Kilworthy, and Washago. The bus does not run on weekends or holidays and takes a two-week break around Christmas and the New Year. The Corridor 11 Bus operates in association with Hammond Transportation, and is significantly funded by the Government of Ontario through the Community Transportation Grant and Gas Tax Programs. We understand that fares have been waived during the pandemic, though they are asking that you only use the service for essential trips. To learn more about the Corridor 11 Bus Program & Schedule, please visit the District website here. |
District of Muskoka Launches New Transportation Service
Through funding provided by the Government of Ontario, and in association with Hammond Transportation Ltd., the District Municipality of Muskoka has announced a new transportation service for Muskoka.
The new service, called Rural and Community Connection, connects Muskoka communities east and west while providing timed connections to other transportation networks within and beyond Muskoka. The new service launches on Tuesday, Jan. 19, and will operate on two different routes running east and west. Each route is operated one day per week — Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Read The Full Article for More Details -
With information from MuskokaRegion.com (January 14th, 2021; by Brent Cooper)
Through funding provided by the Government of Ontario, and in association with Hammond Transportation Ltd., the District Municipality of Muskoka has announced a new transportation service for Muskoka.
The new service, called Rural and Community Connection, connects Muskoka communities east and west while providing timed connections to other transportation networks within and beyond Muskoka. The new service launches on Tuesday, Jan. 19, and will operate on two different routes running east and west. Each route is operated one day per week — Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Read The Full Article for More Details -
With information from MuskokaRegion.com (January 14th, 2021; by Brent Cooper)
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Transportation was identified during our 2018 Needs Assessment as an area of concern within our community. G.A.P. is now working towards developing a Transportation program and addressing the concerns expressed by the community.
Here are some key updates on the transportation project so far...
• Committee formed to examine and analyze what specifically the barriers are.
• Discussion with the District has been on-going about ideas to address these barriers.
• Research and idea-sharing sessions are currently on-going.
• It was identified that the Corridor 11 Bus was not meeting the needs when it came to trips for laundry, groceries or appointments.
• G.A.P. asked and received donations of bundle buggies to assist those who walk.
• When COVID-19 arrived, priority was shifted exclusively to food security.
• The Food Program was enhanced to include home delivery to over 170 homes and just shy of 400 people within the community. This was done to avoid large gatherings of people during the pandemic.
• November 2020: The District has announced a Specialized Transportation Fund
• A new Corridor 11 Bus Schedule has been launched. Information about Corridor 11 can be found here
• G.A.P. applied for the Muskoka Community Foundation Transportation Grant and was fortunate to receive $7,800 in funding. Part of the funding will be used to acquire Gas Cards that will then be distributed to those in the need throughout the community. This generous support is made possible by the Government of Canada's Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) and the Muskoka Community Foundation.
• The G.A.P. Pilot Transportation Project connected to the MCF Grant involves volunteer drivers being available for errands in town as needed. A volunteer dispatcher would assist in the coordination of the rides and drivers.
More Updates to Come!
• Committee formed to examine and analyze what specifically the barriers are.
• Discussion with the District has been on-going about ideas to address these barriers.
• Research and idea-sharing sessions are currently on-going.
• It was identified that the Corridor 11 Bus was not meeting the needs when it came to trips for laundry, groceries or appointments.
• G.A.P. asked and received donations of bundle buggies to assist those who walk.
• When COVID-19 arrived, priority was shifted exclusively to food security.
• The Food Program was enhanced to include home delivery to over 170 homes and just shy of 400 people within the community. This was done to avoid large gatherings of people during the pandemic.
• November 2020: The District has announced a Specialized Transportation Fund
• A new Corridor 11 Bus Schedule has been launched. Information about Corridor 11 can be found here
• G.A.P. applied for the Muskoka Community Foundation Transportation Grant and was fortunate to receive $7,800 in funding. Part of the funding will be used to acquire Gas Cards that will then be distributed to those in the need throughout the community. This generous support is made possible by the Government of Canada's Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) and the Muskoka Community Foundation.
• The G.A.P. Pilot Transportation Project connected to the MCF Grant involves volunteer drivers being available for errands in town as needed. A volunteer dispatcher would assist in the coordination of the rides and drivers.
More Updates to Come!