Ride Well addresses increased demand for service

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Changes are coming to the Wellington County’s Ride Well Rural Transit Service in order to address increased demand. 

An additional vehicle will be added to cover peak periods in the morning and in the afternoon. 

“Ride Well is an important transportation service that many of our residents rely upon,” says Jeff Duncan, the county’s economic development committee chair.

“As the demand for Ride Well continues to grow, the County recognizes that now is the time increase our service hours to accommodate this growth.”

Currently, the service is averaging 30 to 40 rides per day, and 600 to 800 rides per month, with two cars on the road at any given time.

The Ride Well Pilot Program launched in October 2019, and is partially funded by the Government of Ontario until 2025. 

Ride Well provides on-demand, door-to-door transportation across Wellington County and Guelph and uses ridesharing technology to increase its efficiency. 

It also serves as an alternative option to owning and using a personal vehicle in a rural setting and for those who cannot access vehicles for regular needs.

Officials say adding another vehicle during the morning and afternoon peaks will allow for an increased comfort by the general public to use ridesharing services as pandemic related concerns have decreased.