Return of 401 bus urged

James Pasternak wants to bring back the bus.

The Ward 10 councillor has put forth a motion at council to re-instate a Bathurst-Finch community TTC bus route that ceased operation in 1995.  

Community buses operate on a fixed bus route, but cater to individuals who have difficulty accessing regular public transit bus routes.

Unlike Wheel Trans, the routes are open to everyone who can pay the standard TTC fare and they don’t require pre-booking.

The bus route, officially known as the 401 North Bathurst, began operations in 1992 and ran along Bathurst between Sheppard Avenue and Steeles Avenue West.

Pasternak said he was told ridership numbers were too low at the time to continue the service.  

“I don’t really buy into that argument — we would never take away Wheel Trans or certain bus routes on the TTC because our ridership didn’t meet expectations,” he says.

The community buses are a support for anyone but it’s mostly seniors who use it.

“We have one of the highest concentrations of seniors in the city and so it is a vital resource and I’m disappointed that it was taken away,” Pasternak said.

TTC currently operates six community bus routes, known as the 400 series, in neighbourhoods like Lawrence Manor, Parkdale and South Don Mills.

Pasternak admits, given the city’s current budgetary shortcomings, it will be a challenge to reinstate it.

“It’s very difficult to sell a new cost pressure in this environment,” he said. “But you have to try everything you can.

“We’re still spending money on hundreds of different programs and this is essential.”

Working with the Bathurst-Finch Network, Pasternak came up with proposed stops for the route including Earl Bales Park, banks, malls, the Bernard Betel Centre and the B’nai Brith apartment buildings on Bathurst Street.

Pasternak presented the motion at September’s meeting of city council. It was referred to the planning and growth committee.