GO terminal in the works for Orangeville
By Mandi Hargrave Orangeville Citizen

Orangeville may see the train station on Townline accommodate a GO bus terminal in the near future as preliminary discussions are under way between the Town of Orangeville and GO Transit.

The idea originated from a discussion among the town's Transit Optimization Committee and Ed Gill, director of operations and transportation, who pursued the idea with GO. For the past couple of months he has been discussing the idea with Ken Armstrong, manager of operations for GO.

The two have been exchanging plans and maps to pave the parking lot and install a shelter.

The partnership will also include plans to build additional shelters at other bus stops.

"Having a GO terminal is a very positive move forward (for the community)," said Gill.

Having this terminal will provide safety and comfort for GO users, as the lighted parking area will provide a safe to parking lot and the shelter will protect riders from the weather, Gill added.

Ed Shea, spokesperson for GO, hopes the move will increase ridership on GO buses so they can build on the service. Currently there are about 185 passengers on all five trips to and from Orangeville.

"We want to enhance our ridership to attract more riders," he said.

Initially there won't be additional trips on the schedule, but ridership will be monitored to see if improving the service would be worthwhile. He said it will all depend on demand, the budget and available resources.

Gill and Armstrong are moving forward with plans to be submitted for approval.

"I wouldn't be putting effort into it if I didn't think it would have a possibility of success," said Gill.