Middlesex County, Ont. —— July 31, 2024 – Middlesex County is excited to announce the expansion of the Middlesex County Connect inter-community transit Route 3 service to include a new stop at the Amazon Fulfillment Centre in Southwold, effective August 6, 2024. This addition is part of Middlesex County’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its service offerings and meeting the needs of the community. Strong partnerships with the Province of Ontario, the City of London, the City of St. Thomas, and the County of Elgin are essential for the success of this route.
“I am delighted to see our local communities connected with this new stop at the Amazon Fulfillment Centre,” said Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London. “Improving access for our workforce to employment with reliable and affordable transportation will increase the opportunity for growth and overall success.”
"We are thrilled to enhance our Route 3 service with the addition of the Amazon stop," said Middlesex County Warden Aina DeViet. "This move emphasizes our commitment to providing affordable and convenient transportation options that meet the evolving needs of our community. We look forward to the positive impact this will have for our residents.”
London’s Mayor Josh Morgan expressed his enthusiasm about the expansion, highlighting its impact on the public transit network. “I’m excited to see this expansion of the inter-community transit route through London. This addition is a significant step in improving our public transit network, making it easier for residents to access employment opportunities and enhancing the overall accessibility of our communities. By improving connectivity, we are supporting both our local workforce and the broader economic development of the region.”
"The Route 3 expansion is a testament to our commitment to enhancing local infrastructure and supporting economic growth. This new transit stop will improve access for our residents and workforce, illustrating how communities and businesses can work together to build a strong, more vibrant economy in St. Thomas,” said St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston.
In addition, Elgin County Warden Ed Ketchabaw commented, “We are pleased to see that the Middlesex County Connect service expansion includes a stop at the Amazon Fulfillment Centre in Southwold. This enhancement provides our residents with greater access to employment opportunities and strengthens the connectivity between our communities. We commend Middlesex County's commitment to improving transit options and supporting regional growth.
Route 3, which currently operates between Dorchester, London, and St. Thomas, will incorporate this new stop on the return trip from St. Thomas to London without any disruption to the existing service. There is no change to the fare. It remains $5 for a one-way trip on all Middlesex County Connect routes. Children aged 5 and under, veterans, and support persons ride free of charge. Passengers can conveniently pay the fare using cash or credit/debit payment on the bus. Additionally, passengers can take advantage of pre-booking and live tracking of the bus through the free Blaise Transit app. All Middlesex County Connect buses are wheelchair accessible, featuring high floor ramp access, two wheelchair spaces, and a wheelchair lift. Buses also come equipped with a front-mounted bike rack with space for two bikes.
Passengers can access updated schedules and route information on our website at middlesex.ca/ct.
Note: The information provided in this news release is accurate as of the date of issuance and is subject to change as Middlesex County Connect services continue to evolve.
Middlesex County Connect
The Middlesex County Connect inter-community transit service has been operational since September 2020, made possible by funding from the Government of Ontario's Community Transportation Grant Program. Provincial funding for Middlesex County Connect will be available until March 31, 2025.
Voyago, our service provider, currently operates the following Middlesex County Connect round-trip bus routes:
Route 1: Lucan, Ilderton, Arva, and London (weekdays only)
Route 2: Woodstock, Ingersoll, Putnam, Dorchester, and London (weekdays only)
Route 3: Dorchester, London, and St. Thomas (Monday to Saturday)
MEDIA CONTACT:
Middlesex County Media Relations Legislative Services Division
mediarelations@middlesex.ca
