Close Alert Banner
Skip to Content

City of Stratford Logo

Contact Us
  • Visit Us
    • Parking
    • Public Restrooms
    • Destination Stratford
  • Live Here
    • Applications, Licenses & Permits
    • Britannia Street Housing Project
    • Cemetery
    • Children's Resources
    • Climate Change
    • Coronavirus (COVID-19)
    • EarlyON Perth County
    • Education
    • Emergency Services
    • Garbage Collection
    • Heritage Stratford
    • Library
    • Maps
    • Parking
    • Pet Ownership
    • Property Taxes
    • Public Health
    • Social Services
    • Stratford Naturally
    • Stratford Police Services
    • Transportation
    • Utilities
    • Wastewater
    • Water
    • Wildlife
    • Senior's Resources
  • Play Here
    • Community Organizations
    • COVID-19 Return to Activity
    • Digital Advertising
    • Facilities
    • Parks & Forestry
    • Recreation Programs
    • Register for Programs
    • Sports Wall of Fame
    • Upcoming Events
  • Do Business
    • investStratford
    • Available Properties
    • Bids and Tenders
    • Business Licensing
    • Community Profile
    • Our Industries
    • Stratford Perth Centre for Business
  • Inside City Hall
    • A to Z Services
    • Accountability and Transparency
    • Accessibility
    • Advisory Committees
    • Animal Control
    • Applications, Licenses & Permits
    • Awards
    • Bid Opportunities
    • Budget
    • By-laws
    • City Council
    • Contact Us
    • Cooper Block
    • Departments
    • Employment
    • Market Square
    • Mayor
    • Municipal Accommodation Tax
    • Municipal Election 2018
    • News & Public Notices
    • Other Reports & Publications
    • Proposed Municipal Boundary Adjustment
    • Renewable Natural Gas
    • Smart Parking
    • Strategic Priorities
    • Terms of Use
    • Tom Patterson Theatre
    • Website Feedback
    • Xinyi Canada Glass Limited Project
HomeLive HereTransportationTransit

Transit

  • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
  • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
  • Open new window to share this page via Pinterest Pinterest
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
  • Email this page Email

Live Here

City of Stratford Transit and Parallel Transit provide an affordable and convenient alternative to driving within the City on regularly scheduled transit routes.  Read further to learn about our rates, schedules, Parallel Transit, and special services. 

News Items

Service updates are no longer posted in this section. Please see section Service Updates and Changes. 

January 18, 2021 - Saturday On-Demand Transit (Reserve as of February 1st)

Effective February 6, 2021 Stratford Transit will move to an On-Demand Service on Saturdays. Sunday On-Demand launched on July 5, 2020, has been successful and will remain in the service.   

On-demand allows transit to meet the current needs of customers while routing vehicles only to requested stops. Customers will be able to schedule a ride based on their own time frames and route desired stop, allowing passengers to get anywhere in the city. 

The Hours of Operation for On-Demand are:

  • Saturdays, 6am to 8pm
  • Sundays, 10am to 5:30pm 

Those customers wishing to book a ride for Saturdays may do so as early as February 1, 2021. Customers can already book for Sunday On-Demand. Reservations will be accepted in the following ways:

  • Mobile App - "On-Demand Transit - Rider App" is available for download in the App Store and Google Play, and can be used to book rides any time of day for any time of service. When asked for a transit code, please enter the word stratford. 
  • Online - The online reservation portal is now open. Book your rides using a laptop or computer by connecting to ridestratford.ca.
  • Phone - Call 519-271-0250 extension 264, Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm, and Saturdays from 8am to 5pm.

Those looking to use the mobile app or online service can may find it useful to review the online user guide for preferred devices. 

January 8, 2021 - Stratford Transit School Specials for 2021

For the more than 400,000 students we transport yearly, Stratford Transit provides School Special buses weekday mornings and afternoons for Stratford Intermediate School, Stratford District Secondary School, and St. Michael Catholic Secondary School. Those buses leave from the Terminal and travel to the schools starting in the morning at 7:25 a.m. until 8:45 a.m. 
  • Based on the current student information made available at time of publishing, a new schedule has been developed in anticipation of ridership volumes, and with health and safety as a priority. The morning AM Specials will continue as they have in the past, and will now include stops at the newly opened Stratford Intermediate. They will travel a few minutes ahead of the scheduled routes. The afternoon PM Specials will change somewhat, due to large numbers of students looking for transportation within a 10-minute window at dismissal times.
  • The #1, #2, #3 Specials will depart Stratford Intermediate at 3 p.m. and will service routes from that point (these buses will not proceed to Stratford Secondary/St. Michael) as they have in the past.
  • A new #4 Special will arrive at Stratford District Secondary at 3 p.m. and then St. Michael at 3:10 p.m. and will be a direct shuttle to the Terminal (with stop requests honored along the route), where students can transfer to a regular line bus. The regular #1 Huron or #3 McCarthy routes are additional options to the high school students as well with an approximate 3:10 p.m. arrival on Oakdale and Forman Avenue.
  • Please note that, in keeping with direction provided by Huron Perth Public Health, Stratford Transit riders are expected to wear face coverings while on the bus, if they are able to.
  • Please continue to review our School Special and Service Updates and Changes section as these routes could possibly be adjusted frequently over time based on ridership statistics.
For further information regarding School Specials please call 519-271-0250 extension 405.
October 22, 2020 - Stratford Transit Tracker Launches October 26
Stratford Transit is pleased to announce the official introduction of the Stratford Transit Tracker, launching on Monday, October 26. It will be available then at https://onyourway.stratford.ca.The real-time bus tracking tool uses GPS technology to pinpoint the exact location of a bus and when it’s due to arrive at a stop. Up-to-date information on detours and delays, nearby stops and precise arrival times will also be provided to passengers using the tracking service.   
  • Stratford has additionally secured seven new 24-inch monitor displays to be installed on each bus, retiring the traditional one-colour light announcement scrolling systems. 
  • The media monitors will be highly visible and vibrant, improving the accessibility of content offered to passengers that will include operational messages, revenue-generating commercials and current City news. 

“We are excited to introduce this innovative tracking tool and media system to our Stratford riders,” said Transit Manager Michael Mousley. “The system puts the convenience of transit travel at the fingertips of passengers, making it easy to receive updates as they happen, via a personal computer or phone.”

  • In addition to offering real-time bus monitoring for riders, the Stratford Transit Tracker will provide transit operators with passenger counters, on-time reporting, detailed route information, better communication options with other drivers and in-depth key performance indicators to improve overall transit operations. 

For information on the Stratford Transit Tracker service and using the mobile app and online site, click here. 

How can we direct you?

Parallel Transit
P
riority and Courtesy Seating
Transit Accessibility Public Meeting
Transit Schedule & Bus Stop Locations
Transit Rates
Transit Service for Industry, School Specials, Charters
Transit Tracker - Check Bus Locations and Routes (NEW)
Saturday and Sunday On-Demand Service (New)
Where to Buy Transit Passes
Procedures for Serving Passengers with a Disability   


Transit Schedule and Bus Stop Locations

Transit Terminal Location: Cooper Block (Shakespeare Park on Downie Street)

Planning your trip? Take these steps:

  1. Download the Transit System Map
  2. Review route service dates and times (below).
  3. Prior to your trip, check the Service Updates and Changes. There is no service on Public Holidays.

Monday - Friday Service Schedule and Stop Locations

Download the Monday - Friday Transit Schedule and Stop Locations (effective January 2021) 

Saturday and Sunday On-Demand

 New July 2020, book your Sunday rides by On-Demand. Find out how. 

Turn-By-Turn Route Descriptions
  • #1 Huron, #2 East End, #3 McCarthy
  • #4 Queensland, #5 Devon, #6 Downie
  • #7 Industrial


Back to top


Service Update and Changes

No Service on Public Holidays 

Stratford Transit operates 7 days a week from the temporary transit hub at the Cooper Block on Downie Street across from Shakespeare Park, except on the following Public Holidays:

  • New Year's Day
  • Good Friday
  • Victoria Day
  • Family Day
  • Canada Day
  • Civic Holiday
  • Labour Day 
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Day
  • Boxing Day
Stratford Transit Transfer Policy

Stratford Transit has a transfer policy to add more flexibility for riders. Customers are now able to transfer at any stop in the city. Please keep in mind the following:

1. Transfers are only valid for 1 hour.

2. If you transfer back onto the bus you left originally, the transfer may not be accepted electronically in the fare box. If this is the case, the driver will manually inspect the transfer to ensure it is valid (time/date).

Questions regarding should be directed to the Transit office at 519-271-0250 extension 264 during business hours.

Back to top


Transit Rates (2021)

  Details Cash Tickets 

30-Day

Children 5 and under free free n/a
Student Applies only to elementary/secondary students, and ODSP and Ontario Works Clients. Identification will be required.   $2.50 $2.25 $55.00
Affordable Applies only to elementary/secondary students, and ODSP and Ontario Works Clients. Identification will be required.  $2.50 $2.25 $57.00
Adults 19 - 64 years $3.00 $2.75 $67.00
Seniors 65 and older $2.75 $2.50 $57.00
Day Pass Single rider and valid until end of service day $7.00 $7.00 n/a
Family Pass Up to 4 riders with a least one adult and valid until end of service day $15.00 $15.00 n/a 

Transfers are valid for up to 1 hour anywhere in the city. 

Back to top


Where to Buy Transit Passes

All passes and schedules are available through the City's main reception, on the second floor of Stratford City Hall. Passes/tickets can also be purchased (except affordable passes) at the following locations:

  • City Hall, 2nd Floor
  • Blowes Stationery
  • East End Variety
  • Hallmark Cards
  • Stratford Variety
  • Sobey's

Back to top


Transit Service for Industry

Effective December 17, 2018, we have an updated transit service for city factories, provided Monday thru Friday. Click here to review Line #7, Transit Service for Industry.

Back to top 


School Specials

We transport more than 400,000 students yearly via our morning and afternoon school specials. 

School Special Schedule and Turn-by-Turn Route Descriptions

  • Morning (AM) School Special Schedule
  • Afternoon (PM) School Special Schedule

Back to top 


Stratford Transit Charters

We can provide special transit service for in-town charters. The rate is $85.00 per hour, plus taxes. To book your charter, please contact us at 519-271-0250 extension 405 during regular business hours.

Back to top


Priority & Courtesy Seating

Show you care! Offer your seat to someone who needs it more than you. 

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) requires businesses and organizations to provide accessible services to people with disabilities. The goal is for Ontario to be fully accessible by 2025.

The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR, 191-11), is a standard developed under the AODA which includes 80 accessibility standards relating to transportation, employment, and information and communications. Compliance dates set out in the IASR range from July 2011 through January 2021.

In compliance with Section 49 of Regulation 191-11, Ontario's public transit authorities now provide Priority seating designated for use by passengers with disabilities.

Transit authorities recognize there are other customers who would also benefit from having a seat near the front of the bus. A Courtesy seating area has been designated for seniors, expectant mothers, adults travelling with infants/small children or any other customer who may benefit from a seat near the front of the bus. 

Priority Seating

Priority Seating is for the use of passengers with a disability. These seats are located close to the front of the vehicle. Customers are expected to respect and obey the purpose of the designated seating area, which means if you are sitting in one of these designated seats, you MUST vacate the seat for a passenger with a disability.

Please note:

  • A person with a disability occupying a Priority seat is not required to move for another customer with a disability. Use of these seats is on a first come-first served basis.
  • You are not required or expected to leave a transit vehicle in order to make room for a customer with a disability.
  • Bus drivers/operators will not intervene to enforce the requirement. We ask, however, that you show consideration for those whose need is greater than your own.
Courtesy Seating

Courtesy Seating is intended to provide additional seating for people who will benefit from having a seat near the front of the vehicle including:

  • Seniors
  • Expectant mothers
  • Adults travelling with infants or small children
  • Any other passenger who may benefit from a seat.

If you are sitting in one of these designated seats, please respect its purpose and give up your seat to those who need it.

Please note: Drivers/operators will not enforce this requirement or intervene in any dispute related to Courtesy Seating. We ask, however, that you respect this designated seating area and show consideration for those whose need is greater than your own.

Back to top


Frequently Asked Questions 

Why are there both Priority Seating and Courtesy Seating areas on a bus?
The Priority Seating area is a regulatory requirement under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The Courtesy Seating area is provided in addition to the Priority Seating area for passengers who may benefit from a seat, but do not have a disability.
I am a passenger with a disability. What do I do if the Priority Seating area is full when I board the bus?
Politely remind the customers seated in the Priority Seating area of its intended use and ask that they make room for you. 
What do I do if the passengers seated in the Priority Seating area refuse to move for me?
Please remember that passengers in the Priority Seating area may suffer from a disability that is not easily recognized by others and they may not be comfortable discussing it in public. If the passengers in the Priority Seating area do not move when requested, proceed to the Courtesy Seating area to find a seat. 
The Priority Seating decal states that other passengers MUST vacate for a passenger with a disability. If someone refuses to move for a passenger with a disability, who will make them obey the sign?
The wording on the decal is a legal requirement under Regulation 191-11 but the Regulation does not provide any reference to enforcement. Given the vast number and varying degree of disabilities, many of which are invisible, it would be extremely difficult for a third party to determine who is more entitled to the Priority Seating area. As such, we expect customers to do the right thing. 
Can I ask the operator to force passengers to vacate a seat for me?
Drivers/operators will not intervene in a dispute between passengers regarding a seat.I am a person with a disability. When I board a bus which is full and people are both seated and standing in the Priority Seating area, do other passengers need to vacate the bus to make room for me in the Priority Seating area?No. Public transit is first come, first served. Other passengers who have paid a fare are not expected to vacate the bus to make room for other passengers. If you are not comfortable completing your trip without a seat, please wait for the next bus.

Back to top  


Stratford Transit Tracker: A Smarter Way To Travel

Photo Gallery: Stratford Transit Tracker will appear here on the public site.

 

We will introduce the Stratford Transit Tracker, launching on Monday, October 26. The real-time bus tracking tool uses GPS technology to pinpoint the exact location of a bus and when it’s due to arrive at a stop. Up-to-date information on detours and delays, nearby stops and precise arrival times will also be provided to passengers using the tracking service.   

  • Stratford has additionally secured seven new 24-inch monitor displays to be installed on each bus, retiring the traditional one-colour light announcement scrolling systems. 
  • The media monitors will be highly visible and vibrant, improving the accessibility of content offered to passengers that will include operational messages, revenue-generating commercials and current City news.
How to use Stratford Transit Tracker

Load the website https://onyourway.stratford.ca/ (available on October 26) onto any device with a web browser. You can use your cell phone, tablet, or computer.

  1. Select a stop name or number. The application will automatically display planned and forecasted departures in real-time with route number, destination, and next two departures.
  2. To track the bus and view the route pattern, select any departures listed on the right side of the screen, and press "View live on map." The route pattern and the bus is now displayed on a map in real-time.
How to save Stratford Transit Tracker to your to Phone Screen 
  1. iPhone, press the button circled in red. Press "Add to Home Screen." The real-time bus tracking website should now be displayed as an "app" on the home screen.
  2. On an Android phone, press the three-dot menu button on the top right corner of your browser. Press "Add to Home screen." The real-time bus tracking website should now be displayed as an "app" on the home screen.
 

Back to top  


Saturday & Sunday On-Demand Transit Service

Effective February 6, 2021, Stratford Transit will move to an On-Demand Service on Saturdays. Sunday On-demand launched on July 5, 2020, has been successful and remains as a service.  

On Demand allows transit to meet the current needs of customers while routing vehicles only to requested stops. Customers will be able to schedule a ride based on their own timeframes and route desired stop, allowing passengers to get anywhere in the city. 

The Hours of Operation for On-Demand are:

  • Saturdays, 6am to 8pm
  • Sundays, 10am to 5:30pm 
 Make a Reservation for On-Demand
  • Mobile App - "On-Demand Transit - Rider App" is available for download in the App Store and Google Play, and can be used to book rides any time of day for any time of service. When asked for a transit code, please enter the word stratford. 
  • Online - The online reservation portal is now open. Book your rides using a laptop or computer by connecting to ridestratford.ca.
  • Phone - Call 519-271-0250 extension 264, Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm, and Saturdays from 8am to 5pm.

Those looking to use the mobile app or online service can may find it useful to review the online user guide for preferred devices. 

Learn About the On-Demand Service
To better understand the On-Demand Service, click here to learn more. 
On-Demand Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Have a question about the On-Demand Transit app and on-demand transit? Click to review our FAQ section. 

On-Demand COVID-19 Protocols

Stratford Transit would like to thank all passengers for practicing social distancing, and ask that the service only be used for essential trips (employment, groceries, pharmacy, etc.). Where possible, nonessential trips (social-based trips) should be avoided. As a reminder, please wear a face covering, if able to do so, while using transit.   

Should any passenger exhibit illness or flu-like symptoms, they are prohibited from riding the bus. Passengers are reminded to practice recommended hygiene etiquette while utilizing transit including:

  • Cough and sneeze into the bend of your arm, not into your hand
  • Practice social distancing where possible by maintaining a distance of two metres
  • Stay home when you are sick and avoid contact with other people until your symptoms are gone
  • Washing hands as soon as possible or once you’ve reached your destination

Back to top  

  • Transportation
    Toggle Section Transportation Menu
    • Stratford Municipal Airport
    • Parking
    • Rail
    • Roads
    • Transit
    • Parallel Transit
    • Stratford & Perth County Community Transportation
    • Pedestrian Crossovers
    • School Travel Planning
    • School Travel Safety
  • View Full Live Here Menu
    Toggle Section
    • Applications, Licenses & Permits
      Toggle Section Applications, Licenses & Permits Menu
      • Bicycle Licensing
      • Birth, Death, Marriage Certificates and Change of Name
      • Business Licence
      • Encroachments
      • Lottery Licensing
      • Marriage and Civil Ceremonies
      • Pet Ownership
      • Special Events and Municipal Alcohol Policy
      • Outdoor Special Events
    • Britannia Street Housing Project
    • Cemetery
    • Children's Resources
    • Climate Change
    • Coronavirus (COVID-19)
    • EarlyON Perth County
    • Education
    • Emergency Services
      Toggle Section Emergency Services Menu
      • Ambulance
      • Fire
        Toggle Section Fire Menu
        • Community Reports
        • Communications
        • History
        • LODD Memorial
        • Stations and Apparatus
        • Suppression
        • Emergency Preparedness
        • Fire Prevention
          Toggle Section Fire Prevention Menu
          • Apartment Fire Safety
          • Carbon Monoxide Detectors
          • Fire By-Laws
          • Fire Tips for Older Adults
          • Heating Safety
          • Home Smoke Alarms
          • Kitchen Safety
          • Student Accommodation
        • Public Education
          Toggle Section Public Education Menu
          • Fire Extinguisher Training
          • Home Fire Safety Program
      • Health Care
        Toggle Section Health Care Menu
        • Huron Perth Public Health
        • Stratford General Hospital
        • Stratford Family Health Team
      • Police
    • Garbage Collection
      Toggle Section Garbage Collection Menu
      • Green Bin
      • Hazardous Waste
      • Landfill Site
        Toggle Section Landfill Site Menu
        • Landfill FAQ
      • Leaf and Yard Waste
      • Recycling Collection
      • Textiles
    • Heritage Stratford
      Toggle Section Heritage Stratford Menu
      • Award Programs
        Toggle Section Award Programs Menu
        • Blue Plaque Program
        • James Anderson Award
      • Heritage Permits
      • Heritage Conservation Loan and Grant Programs
        Toggle Section Heritage Conservation Loan and Grant Programs Menu
        • Building Code Upgrade Loan
        • Facade Improvement Loan
      • How to Designate Your Property
      • Designated Properties
      • Non-Designated Properties
      • Heritage Conservation District
    • Library
    • Maps
    • Parking
    • Pet Ownership
    • Property Taxes
      Toggle Section Property Taxes Menu
      • Property Assessment
      • Property Sales
      • Property Tax Rates
      • Tax Bill Information
      • Tax Bill Payment Options
    • Public Health
      Toggle Section Public Health Menu
      • Extreme Heat
      • Public Access Defibrillators (AED)
    • Social Services
      Toggle Section Social Services Menu
      • Anne Hathaway Daycare
      • Early Years and Child Care
      • Homelessness
      • Housing
        Toggle Section Housing Menu
        • Housing Access Centre
        • Perth and Stratford Housing Corporation
      • Ontario Works
    • Stratford Naturally
      Toggle Section Stratford Naturally Menu
      • Top 10 Lawn Tips
      • Garden FAQ
      • Garden Fact Sheets
    • Stratford Police Services
      Toggle Section Stratford Police Services Menu
      • About Stratford Police
      • Services and Reporting
        Toggle Section Services and Reporting Menu
        • Background Checks
        • Police Fee Schedule
        • Freedom of Information Requests
      • Crime Prevention
      • Careers
    • Utilities
      Toggle Section Utilities Menu
      • Electrical
      • Gas
      • Locate Information
      • WiFi
    • Wastewater
      Toggle Section Wastewater Menu
      • Fats,Oils and Grease
      • Sewer Subsidy
    • Water
      Toggle Section Water Menu
      • Water Annual Reports
      • Water and Sewer Rates
      • Drinking Water Source Protection
      • Frozen Water Services
      • Discoloured Water
    • Wildlife
    • Senior's Resources

Contact Us

Subscribe to page updates

Stratford logo

  • Accessibility
  • Terms of Use
  • Sitemap
  • Contact Us
  • Employment
  • Website Feedback

© 2019 The Corporation of the City of Stratford, P.O. Box 818, Stratford, Ontario, N5A 6W1, 519-271-0250

View our Facebook Page View our Twitter Page View our LinkedIn Page
Designed by eSolutionsGroup
Close Old Browser Notification
Browser Compatibility Notification
It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.