Brant eRide

The County of Brant’s new public transportation service, Brant eRide, was launched this past October. During this soft launch, feedback was collected from those using the service and the community.

Based on the feedback, a number of updates are being added to the service starting January 6, 2020. These updates include:

• A new offline program for those individuals who need a more specialized service, including those with accessibility needs. Those requiring this specialized service are asked to call eRide directly at 519-770-TOGO (8646) and are encouraged to pre-book all rides by 1:00 pm the day before.

Brant eRide FAQs

What is Brant eRide?

Brant eRide is a shared ride technology based public transportation service that provides flexible options for travelling within the County of Brant, into the City of Brantford and back.

Where can I go with eRide?

With Brant eRide you can travel within the County of Brant, into the City of Brantford and back.  If you are looking for a ride within Brantford, Brantford Transit will be able to accommodate this request.

How much does eRide cost?

Brant eRide offers two different programs.

• Regular Fare - $3.00
• Commuter Fare - $1.00 *

*Commuter Fare is for passengers who meet at and get dropped off at a virtual hub. Virtual hub locations are listed below.

Children 12 and under ride for free and must be accompanied by an adult.

What is a virtual hub?

A virtual hub is a location where a group of eRide users meet.

Where are the virtual hubs located?

Paris:

No Frills - 71 Dundas St. E., Paris (rear north east corner of store)

Sobeys - 307 Grand River St. N., Paris (by the pharmacy sign)

Willet Urgent Care -  238 Grand River St. N., Paris (on the Capron St. side in front of the hearing clinic)

Council Chambers  - 7 Broadway St. W., Paris (by the bell on the median)

Burford:

Municipal Parking Lot near Foodland – 105 King St., Burford (center median)

St.George:

Municipal Parking Lot - 11 Main St. S., St. George (St. George sign)

Brantford:

Walmart - 300 King George Rd., Brantford (under the Pharmacy sign)

Brantford General Hospital - 200 Terrace Hill St., Brantford

Lynden Park Mall - 84 Lynden Rd., Brantford (outside corner of Stitches)

Social Services - 220 Colborne St., Brantford (corner of building by parking lot)

Elements Casino Brantford - 40 Icomm Dr., Brantford (across the driveway on the Icomm Dr. side of the overhang)

Brantford Bus Terminal – 64 Darling St., Brantford (under the sign by Stans fry truck)

How can I pay for my rides?

Paying is easy.  When booking your eRide, you can choose to pay by credit card or offline payments (cash or punch card - please note if paying cash exact change is required).

How do I indicate my unit number when booking online or using the eRide app?

When you select a ride, on the next screen there is ‘Add Special Instructions’.  You add your unit number there before you select payment option and book now.

Brant eRide App

• Download and open the Brant eRide app from the iPhone App Store or Google play
• Create your account
• Enter your pick-up and drop-off location
• Select the number of passengers
• Select the date and time
• Confirm your ride - you will receive a confirmation alert once your eRide is booked.

What are the days/hours of operation?

Monday to Friday -  6:00 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday - 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

eRide does not operate on holidays.

Hours of operation are subject to change.

Can my kids ride with me?

Yes, when you are booking your ride, book additional seats for children and select passenger type.  You can book up to three other passengers travelling with you.  Children under 12 must ride with an adult.

Are there car seats for small children or babies?

No, the vehicles are not equipped with car seats.

What if I want my ride to wait for me?

Be on time.  When you book a ride you are given a pick up window.  You will be picked up anywhere within that time frame.  Arrive at least two minutes before the pick-up time window.  Upon arriving, your eRide will wait for one minute.

What if I miss my ride?

Users book their own rides and need to be ready for pick up at least two minutes before the pick-up window.  If you miss your ride, you will be marked as a ‘no-show’ and charged for the amount of the ride you booked.

Do I need to create an account to use?

Yes, to use the service you will need to create an account.  You can do this through the app, online or by calling a booking agent to help you get started.

How far in advance can I book my ride?

You can schedule your rides up to a month in advance.  If you choose to pay with credit card you will be charged at the time of booking.

Who picks me up (how will I recognize it)?

Look for the Brant eRide logo to identify the correct vehicle.

Will this be accessible?

Yes, Brant eRide will offer accessible transportation options. Please identify the type of mobility device you may be travelling with when booking.  You may choose to book an additional seat for your support person at no additional cost.

Are there going to be city buses?

When people think about public transit, they often associate that with large buses and fixed routes.  Brant eRide will be a directly subsidized. It is a general public micro-transit/on-demand ride-hailing (e-hailing) shared-ride service that may be provided using sedans, SUVs or vans.

Will this be replacing the current Subsidized Transportation Program (STP)?

Yes.  Currently, the STP is available for people who have a permanent or temporary disability.  The STP service will transition to the new Brant eRide program.

Is this like Uber?

People often associate eRide to be like Uber because it is a form of e-hailing.  eRide is not like Uber because you are booking a shared ride public transportation service.  Unlike Uber, the eRide drivers are hired employees and they drive the service owned vehicles.

Who picks me up (what kind of vehicle or how will I recognize it)?

You will be picked up in a Sedan, SUV or Van.  All eRide vehicles will be branded with the eRide logo.  If you are using the app, you will also be able to track your ride and know when your driver is approaching.

Do I have to be a County of Brant resident to use eRide/who can use eRide?

You can use Brant eRide if you are a resident of the County of Brant, residents from Brantford and even visitors to the County are able to use Brant eRide.

How do I book a ride?

You can book in the following ways:

• Brant eRide app.
  • The Brant eRide app is here!  Download the app through your iPhone App Store or with the following link for Google play and set up your account today.
• Brant eRide website

• Phoning 519-770-TOGO (8646)

The County of Brant Council has approved a new public transportation service for the County of Brant which will soon be implemented.

After a full review, the recommendation came forward to enter into contract with BTS Network to provide the County with the new Brant eRide public transportation program. Brant eRide will continue to be accessible and citizens will be able to be book a ride online, through an app or on the phone.

This new partnership will begin in the fall. More information about the Brant eRide will be released in the coming weeks as the County prepares to launch the service.

The County currently provides subsidized and accessible transportation. The current program will continue to be delivered until the new program is in place. We will be working with current users of the program to transition to Brant eRide.

Additional information on Brant eRide:

• Report to Council
• Recommendation letter from IBI
• Phase 2 Transit/Mobility Service Plan Report