Residents in communities north of Brampton will soon have access to a new on-demand public transit service as the Town of Caledon prepares to launch a $4.5-million pilot project designed to provide more flexible and efficient transportation options.
The Town has partnered with Argo Corporation to introduce a fully electric, app-based transit service that will operate in Bolton, Caledon East, Mayfield West, and Southfields beginning this fall.
The 15-month pilot project will function much like a ridesharing service combined with public transit. Using a smartphone application, riders will be able to request trips on demand and travel directly to their destinations or connect with existing transit services, including GO Transit, Brampton Transit, and York Region Transit.
The service aims to address longstanding transit challenges in Caledon, where traditional fixed-route bus services have struggled to provide comprehensive coverage and convenient connections between communities. Municipal officials have identified gaps in existing transit routes, particularly in Caledon East, where residents currently have limited public transportation options.
Under the new model, passengers will be picked up near their homes and transported either directly to their destination or to major transit hubs, creating seamless connections with regional transportation networks. The system will operate seven days a week and is expected to significantly improve mobility for residents who rely on public transit for work, education, healthcare, and recreational activities.
Although the new service was originally expected to replace several existing Brampton Transit routes serving Bolton, Mayfield West, and Caledon East, those routes will continue operating through the end of 2026 to ensure a smooth transition while the pilot project is evaluated.
One of the key goals of the program is to reduce wait times and increase service reliability. The new system is targeting a median wait time of approximately 20 minutes while striving to fulfill all ride requests.
For riders, fares will remain affordable and consistent with current Brampton Transit pricing. Passengers will be able to pay using PRESTO cards, and existing Brampton Transit transfers and fare products will be accepted. However, cash payments and paper tickets will not be available on the new service.
The introduction of the electric transit fleet also supports broader environmental goals by reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transportation options in one of the fastest-growing regions of the Greater Toronto Area.
Transit officials believe the pilot project has the potential to transform how public transportation is delivered in lower-density communities by providing a more responsive and customer-focused service model. If successful, the program may be extended beyond the initial 15-month period and could serve as a model for other municipalities seeking innovative transit solutions.
For thousands of residents in Caledon and surrounding communities, the new service promises improved connectivity, greater convenience, and enhanced access to employment, education, and regional transit networks throughout the Greater Toronto Area.