With stores allowed to open for the first time in the city's history, Greater Sudbury will be offering expanded transit service on Boxing Day, in an attempt to accommodate demand from workers and shoppers.
Buses normally run on a reduced holiday schedule Dec. 26, with fewer routes and longer waits for the buses. In a release Thursday, the city announced it will use the Saturday service schedule on Boxing Day this year. Several stores planning to open as early as 6 a.m., and with the expected popularity of shopping on Boxing Day, the city evaluate the popularity of the expanded schedule, to help gauge decisions for future years.
“With many stores choosing to be open on Boxing Day this year, we wanted to offer residents the opportunity to utilize Greater Sudbury Transit at more convenient and frequent times throughout the day,” said Mayor Brian Bigger in a news release. “Traditionally on statutory holidays, transit would run on a Sunday schedule. Because of the amount of people expected to be out working and shopping on Boxing Day, we felt it was important to offer this enhanced service this year.”
Meeting Dec. 9, city council repealed the city's three bylaws restricting shopping hours in Greater Sudbury, including a ban on opening Boxing Day. The move came after most voters supported deregulation in an October referendum, although the turnout was about two per cent short of being binding on councillors.
Since then, many major retailers have said they will open, with Target announcing this week it will open at 6 a.m. Dec. 26, joining such stores as Costco, Walmart, Sears and Futureshop who already made similar announcements.
For more information on Greater Sudbury Transit Saturday schedule, go to www.greatersudbury.ca/transit. Residents can also get real time updates of scheduled arrival times on your computer, smartphone or tablet via mybus.greatersudbury.ca.