Centralized Transit Terminal Announced

TORONTO , Dec. 1 /CNW/ - Travel just got a whole lot easier for the residents of Timmins! Timmins transit services and Ontario Northland have announced that they will soon co-locate their transit operations, resulting in a centralized transit terminal and increased convenience for passengers wishing to transfer between the two services.

As part of the City of Timmins' downtown renewal strategy, City Council yesterday approved the purchase of the Timmins Station, located at 54 Spruce Street North, from Ontario Northland. The deal will see the City move its transit terminal to the location, to co-locate with Ontario Northland's operations. The agreement includes a long-term lease provision for Ontario Northland, which will continue to offer motor coach services, shuttle services to connect to the Polar Bear Express and Northlander passenger trains, as well as Bus Parcel Express out of the Station.

"We are committed to providing safe, reliable and affordable transportation solutions to the residents of Timmins and all of northeastern Ontario," said Steve Carmichael , President and CEO of Ontario Northland. "This partnership allows us to make travel more convenient for our passengers while at the same time, realizing cost efficiencies that contribute to our goal of maintaining affordable services."

    
    The benefits of co-location are numerous and include:
    -   Increased convenience for customers;
    -   Excellent, accessible location for all passengers and customers;
    -   Safety improvements for both customers and employees with an increase
        in traffic and staff presence at the Station;
    -   Cost efficiencies as both the location and associated costs will be
        shared; and
    -   Supports the City's downtown renewal strategy.
    

According to Mark Jensen , Director of Community and Development Services with the City of Timmins, "the business transaction between the City and Ontario Northland is expected to be complete on January 15, 2010 . The relocation of Timmins Transit to the Spruce St. location is scheduled for the Fall of 2010. On site improvements to the property and discussions with the Timmins Economic Development Corporation about the relocation of their offices will also take place shortly after the real estate transaction closes."

"This is a win - win for the City of Timmins, Ontario Northland and our respective clients. Customer service and operational improvements that generate efficiencies are a priority for the City of Timmins. I'm happy to see so many positive benefits come from this acquisition. Consolidating our respective operations under one roof will certainly bring value added considerations to the travelling public," concluded Mayor Laughren .

Ontario Northland, an agency of the Province of Ontario, was established in 1902 and is a recognized leader in creating prosperity in the North by providing innovative transportation and telecommunication solutions. Operating primarily in northeastern Ontario, Ontario Northland's enterprises include: the Northlander, Polar Bear Express and Dream Catcher Express passenger trains; rail freight services; motor coach scheduled and charter services; refurbishment services; and Ontera telecommunication services.

For further information: Guy Lamarche, Municipal Communications Coordinator, City of Timmins, [phone] ext. 2404; Beverly Martin, Chief Communications Officer, Ontario Northland, [phone] or 1-800-363-7512 ext. 265, cell: [phone]