Media Release: Paradise Welcomes Metrobus with Pilot Project MOU Signing

The Town of Paradise today rolled out the red carpet to officially welcome Metrobus as part of a public transit pilot project expected to begin in the Town during summer 2016. Paradise Mayor Dan Bobbett and St. John’s Mayor Dennis O’Keefe signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish the pilot project.

“We are pleased to be in a position to offer this Metrobus pilot project to the residents of Paradise,” said Mayor Dan Bobbett. “Transportation, including access to public transit, is a top priority for our residents and we look forward to working with Metrobus to launch and evaluate this pilot project.”

The Town of Paradise is investing a total of $240,000 for the Metrobus project which is expected to run from June 2016 to June 2017. The pilot project will be based on user demand – if residents avail of the service and the passenger volumes are sufficient, the Town will explore continued investment in the service.

“Adding the Town of Paradise to the Metrobus service area is a big step toward a regional public transit system, and it offers area residents more options for moving around the region,” said Mayor Dennis O’Keefe.

Full details of routes will be finalized in the coming weeks. It is anticipated that in addition to routes throughout select areas of the Town, a commuter route from Paradise to the Avalon Mall will be offered. This route will enable users to make connections to other major stops including the Confederation Building, Memorial University, College of the North Atlantic and Downtown St. John’s.

The St. John’s Transportation Commission, operating as Metrobus, has been providing public transit services in St. John’s, NL, since 1958. Metrobus operates 22 fixed-transit routes and services more than three million rides annually within the St. John’s region.

Media Contacts
Diane Keough, Communications Manager
Town of Paradise
dkeough@townofparadise.ca 
709.782.2603 (office) or 709.769.4212 (cell)

Judy Powell, General Manager
Metrobus
judy.powell@metrobus.com
709.570.2130