In celebration of 50 years of public transit service, the City of Greater Sudbury is offering people free bus rides throughout the day Wednesday.
“GOVA Transit has played an important role in our community over the last 50 years,” Mayor Brian Bigger said in a media release issued by the city.
“It has helped people get to where they need to be, safely and efficiently – whether that’s work, school, appointments or recreational opportunities. As our community grows, transit continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of riders.”
Years after being privately operated, local transit services were taken over by the Community Services Department and then the City of Sudbury in 1972.
Sudbury Transit operated between 1972 and 2000, Greater Sudbury Transit operated from 2000 to 2019, after which it became GOVA.
In addition to offering free bus rides on Wednesday, one of the GOVA Transit buses has been wrapped in its original 1972 orange design. It will continue rolling throughout the city in these colours for the next year.
On Wednesday, city staff will be on hand to answer questions and help everyone get to their destination.
First-time riders will be encouraged to share their experience by posting a picture of themselves to social media and tagging City of Greater Sudbury (Facebook) or @GreaterSudbury (Twitter and Instagram).
Everyone who purchases a monthly GOVA Transit pass at a city facility on Wednesday will be entered into a draw for free transit for the balance of the year.
“Thank you to the thousands of customers who depend on and choose our public transit system each day,” city Transit Services director Brendan Adair said in a media release.
“Fifty years later, GOVA remains committed to supporting people as they live, work and play in our community. I would also like to thank our dedicated Transit staff who truly care about riders and show up each day to provide these services. You play a vital role in building a healthy, vibrant community.”
For more information on GOVA Transit, including a map of bus routes, visit greatersudbury.ca/live/transit.
