Port Hope council approves free transit during downtown reconstruction project

(Municipality of Port Hope photo)

The Walton Street reconstruction project got underway Tuesday in Port Hope and that evening council voted at its committee of the whole meeting to make its transit service free within the urban area of the municipality for six months starting May 7. 

A staff report cited the loss of a number of parking spaces through-out and in close proximity to the construction area and within select Municipal public parking lots while the downtown is dug up.

The estimated loss in revenue is $21,000. The ROLLS accessible bus will also be free within the urban boundary. 

Fares will still be collected for the route that travels from Port Hope’s town hall to Cobourg with stops at Northumberland Mall, Northumberland Hills Hospital and Walmart. 

The hours of operation for Port Hope transit are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays with no service on Sundays.