Summer shuttle will ride again
Free bus service between Fergus and Elora begins May 15
ELORA – Now in its fifth year, the shuttle bus between Elora and Fergus will keep on rolling this summer.
Council approved continuation of the service at its April 27 meeting.
The bus began as a way to ease parking issues in downtown Elora. Riders can park for free at the Grand River Raceway and catch the bus into town, also for free.
Since then the days of operation and stops along the way have increased.
Manager of community development Kristen Bettiol stated in her report that there were 2,430 riders in 2026 and 673 of them (28 per cent) were local residents.
The bus operates May 15 to Sept. 7 on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays between downtown Fergus and downtown Elora.
But while it is free to riders, it is not free to the township, Bettiol noted.
And last year’s sponsor is not participating this year.
The total cost to operate the bus is $64,500 through a private provider, although fuel costs will likely impact that cost, Bettiol wrote in her report.
Wellington County will contribute $25,000, the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce $2,500, and $10,000 has been secured through a private sponsor, leaving $27,000 for the township to cover.
The 2026 budget included $16,500 for the shuttle service, leaving a shortfall of $10,500, “which will drive a negative revenue variance in the 2026 operating results,” states the report.
That is expected to be covered from reserves.
Still, because of its popularity, staff recommended approving the program, and council agreed to do so.
