Changes at Charlottetown transit in the next few weeks will include two new routes, two park-and-rides and the introduction of monthly passes.

'It's a pilot, to see how it works.'— Bobby Dunn, Charlottetown transit

The new routes will improve service in the north and northeast sections of the city, including transit from the Charlottetown Mall, through the Hillsborough Village area and to the Queen Elizabeth hospital.

"With this across-town connector loop, this will allow people from the east side of the city to get direct coverage right into the university," said general manager Bobby Dunn.

Dunn said frequency of runs on current routes will also increase.

Charlottetown transit will also offer two new programs on May 1: park-and-rides and monthly passes. Both park-and-rides will be in the north of the city, one in the Sears parking lot and the other at Calvary Temple Church.
 
"At this stage, we are just going with two locations. It's a pilot, to see how it works," said Dunn.

"Part of the overall research study is to identify other locations around our city over the next five months."

The park-and-ride pilot project is funded by a $48,000 federal grant. The city is interested in seeing if it will alleviate downtown parking congestion. Charlottetown transit hopes it will increase ridership.

The one-month transit pass, also coming May 1, is expected to cost $60, and less for students and seniors.