Company Report: Brampton Transit: Experiencing record growth
Experiencing record growth In the past five years this city transit system has handled massive growth through strong leadership and the newest technology

When Sue Connor took her current position as Transit Director of Brampton Transit in 2003, she was not fully ready for what awaited her. With more than 15 years of experience in transit at the nearby city of Mississauga, Connor was used to a progressive, technologically advanced transit system.
"When I came here, they were using a pen and paper," she says. "I knew there were going to be challenges, but I was not quite prepared." However, she adds, "In the last five years we have come full circle."
Located within the City of Brampton's Works and Transportation Department, Brampton Transit has experienced record growth over the last few years, in more ways than one.
In addition to the lack of technology, Connor and her staff faced the challenge of transforming a small transit program into one that could meet the needs of a city experiencing rapid growth. "It was quite a challenge," says Connor. Today, Brampton Transit operates a fleet of about 238 buses along 35 routes within Brampton, and connects riders to other transit systems within Toronto, Mississauga and the York Region.

SUCCESSFUL EXPANSION
Dealing with this rapid expansion was no easy task, especially without the latest equipment. "We were playing catch-up," says Connor. But by restructuring the organization and implementing the newest technologies, Brampton Transit was able to get ahead.
Reorganization began with the development of the City of Brampton's Transportation and Transit Master Plan (TTMP) in 2004, which identified key areas for investment in public transit to accommodate the city's growing population. This included the development of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system - a high-capacity public transit solution that can achieve the performance and benefits of more expensive rail modes.
Completed in 2005, the first step to improving service and preparing for the implementation of BRT was the realignment of Brampton Transit's bus routes from a hub system to a more efficient grid based system. At the time, Brampton Transit had 30 routes, 22 of which had to change on the same day. Connor says this massive project went off without a hitch due to a great communication plan. "People saw the benefits right away," she says.
Today, the first phase of construction for the city's new BRT service - Z∏m - is well underway. Riders will benefit from new Z∏m lines running along the city's three major corridors: Queen Street (launching 2010); Main Street (launching 2011); and Steeles Avenue (launching 2012). In addition to the introduction of new high-tech, environmentally friendly Z∏m buses, the project also includes the implementation of priority measures at intersections to help buses navigate through traffic faster, if behind schedule
Another key area of development for Brampton Transit has been in the use of increasingly advanced technologies. SmartBus technology will provide passengers with real time information at station stops and on their mobile devices, and new security features, such as on-board cameras, have already been implemented. "The technology provides us data to run more efficiently and plan more effectively," says Connor. "It's all part of providing better service."
In 2007, Brampton Transit launched its award-winning online trip planner, eRide. Featuring user-friendly interactive maps, this easy-to-use tool helps riders calculate their commute from start to finish, including walking and transfer times. This web-based service ensures that riders have access to route and schedule information whenever and wherever they need it.
In the fall of 2010, Brampton Transit will also launch the PRESTO card - a smart card fare system being introduced by transit service providers across the Greater Toronto Area to encourage more convenient public transit use.

EXCITING GROWTH
In addition to technological growth, Brampton Transit has experienced amazing growth in its ridership, making it one of the fastest-growing transit systems in Canada. One might think this growth is simply due to the city's increasing population, but interestingly the ridership rate is outpacing population growth. Ridership grew 7.6 per cent in 2005, 12.4 per cent in 2006, 9.1 per cent in 2007, and 11.4 per cent in 2008. This is double, triple, and even quadruple the average Canadian growth rate of about three per cent per year.
Brampton's second transit facility, which opened June 23, 2008, has enabled Brampton Transit to handle this growth. While the original facility holds 140 buses, the new one can hold between 200-250 buses, with the ability to expand to 350. It features a huge video wall which allows control room staff to see where the buses are located. "People will be able to see when buses are crunched up," explains Connor. "That way we can be proactive in responding."
The new building is also environmentally friendly. "It has lots of natural lighting," says Connor. "Most maintenance areas are dark and dirty, but ours is bright, light, and clean." The building also has sensors on the lights and a computer based HVAC system. The furniture and ceiling tiles are made with recycled materials.
Connor is proud of Brampton's improvements. "We have come a long way from 2003 to where we will be in 2010 with smart buses and new technology," she says.

CONTINED IMPROVEMENTS
Connor believes public transit is improving its reputation. "There is more of a perception of taking public transit because it's good for the environment and convenient. Before the perception was that people took it because they couldn't afford anything else," she says.
New technology is drawing people in, especially real-time technology. "People know when the next bus is coming. It's more dependable," she says.
However, Connor does admit that Brampton has been "down a bit because of the economy." Ridership has not grown so far this year, but she is hopeful that back to school traffic will lead to an increase.
Like other transit providers, Brampton Transit is also dealing with decreased revenues. However, through strategically delaying some nonessential service improvements, they plan to use the resulting savings to move forward with the launch of Z∏m next fall. It will be a challenge, but with Brampton Transit's history of accomplishing what seems impossible, there is no doubt that they will prevail.

FACTS AT A GLANCE
NAME: Brampton Transit
TRANSIT DIRECTOR: Sue Connor
OPERATIONS: Public Transit for the city of Brampton, Ontario
ESTABLISHED: 1974
EMPLOYEES: 644

www.bramptontransit.com

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