WEGO Visitor Transportation System
The WEGO Visitor Transportation System (or simply WEGO) is a bus rapid transit system in Niagara Falls, Ontario that was launched on August 13, 2012. It was initially to begin operations on June 29, however there was a delay in installing the intelligent transportation technology.[1] WEGO is jointly operated by Niagara Falls Transit and the Niagara Parks Commission. It replaced Niagara Falls Transit's Falls Shuttle routes and the Niagara Parks Commission's People Mover route, which was using 20-25 year old non-accessible, non-heated Orion IV buses.[2] WEGO provides fare integration between both systems for the first time.
The WEGO brand name debuted April 5, 2012. The pairing of the words "we" and "go" is meant to convey friendship and social activity and adventure and exploration.[3]
A 10-year agreement to operate WEGO between the City of Niagara Falls and the Niagara Parks Commission was approved on August 25, 2011. The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario will each provide $25 million in funding for the system. The parks commission will be responsible for operating, managing, and maintaining one route and the city will be responsible to do the same for two routes.[4] The buses are owned by the city and will be shared by the parks commission. Buses will be leased to the parks commission for $1 per vehicle.[5]
Parks Commission employees are represented by Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), Local 217; while Niagara Falls Transit employees are represented by Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 1582.
Routes
- 601 Red Line - Lundy’s Lane (operated by Niagara Falls Transit)
- 602 Blue Line - Fallsview / Clifton Hill (operated by Niagara Falls Transit)
- 603 Green Line - Niagara Parks (operated by Niagara Parks Commission)
- 604 Orange Line - NOTL Shuttle (operated by Niagara Parks Commission)
- 605 Red Line Express - Lundy’s Lane Express (operated by Niagara Falls Transit)
Former
- Purple Line - Downtown / Clifton Hill (merged with Green Line bus service)
Fleet Roster
Active
| Fleet number(s) | Thumbnail | Year | Manufacturer | Model | Engine | Transmission | Operator | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5201, 5205-5211 | 
|
2012 | Nova Bus | LFX 60' | Cummins ISL9 | ZF 6AP1700B | Niagara Falls Transit | |
| 5301-5303, 5305 | 
|
2012 | Nova Bus | LFX 40' | Cummins ISL9 | ZF 6AP1400B | Niagara Falls Transit | |
| 9001-9009 | 
|
2012 | Nova Bus | LFX 60' | Cummins ISL9 | Allison B500R | Niagara Parks Commission | |
| 9010-9011 | 
|
2012 | Nova Bus | LFX 40' | Cummins ISL9 | Allison B400R | Niagara Parks Commission | |
| 9012 | 2012 | Nova Bus | LFX 40' | Cummins ISL9 | ZF 6AP1400B | Niagara Parks Commission | Ex-5304; transferred from Niagara Falls Transit in 2023. | |
| 9013-9015 | 2012 | Nova Bus | LFX 60' | Cummins ISL9 | ZF 6AP1700B | Niagara Parks Commission | Ex-5202-5204; transferred from Niagara Falls Transit in 2023. |
References
- ↑ Langley, Alison (16 May 2012). New tourism buses stall. Niagara Falls Review. Retrieved on 04 June 2012.
- ↑ Re: Visitor Transportation System (VTS) (People Mover) (Report) Niagara Parks Commission. Retrieved on 27 March 2012
- ↑ Branding of new Niagara Falls Visitor Transportation System — WEGO — revealed (Press release). Government of Canada. 5 April 2012. Retrieved on 6 April 2012.
- ↑ City, Niagara Parks Commission reach deal on new Visitor Transportation System City of Niagara Falls. November 2011. Retrieved on 27 March 2012
- ↑ Spiteri, Ray (26 August 2011) People-mover system gets green light. Niagara Falls Review. Retrieved on 27 March 2012