The Town of Greater Napanee has decided not to extend its partnership with Deseronto Transit, leaving the future of local transit uncertain.
The agreement, which allowed Deseronto Transit to serve Napanee residents, will expire on March 31, 2025. The service saw 31,100 rides last year, but only 14 per cent came from Napanee. The town would need to pay $98,000 to keep it running until a replacement is found.
Council raised concerns about the high cost, estimating it at over $225 per ride for Napanee users. With no government funding available, the cost would fall entirely on taxpayers.
Instead of renewing the current deal, council will explore microtransit options. This system, used in other Ontario communities, works like a mix of carpooling and Uber, using smaller vehicles instead of large buses. It could offer both on-demand and fixed-route services.
Deseronto officials have also expressed interest in a different type of transit model. Running a municipal transit service has become a financial and legal burden for the small town.
Council will now gather more information on microtransit, including potential costs and regional partnerships. A report on alternative transit options is expected before the 2026 budget.
For now, it remains unclear what transportation options will be available to Napanee residents after March.
Written by Emily Chatwood
