The bottom line.
A city of 15,000 nestled on the Lake of the Woods in Northwestern Ontario now operates one of Canada’s most efficient microtransit networks. In October 2024, the City of Kenora replaced its underperforming fixed bus routes with “The Wave”, a turnkey microtransit service. This offers the community a more reliable and flexible transit option to access jobs, schools, medical appointments, shopping, and other essential resources.
The data reveals overwhelming progress over just a few months: ridership tripled, rides per hour hit 5.9, and the city has maintained 100% service uptime, with no driver shortages or fleet interruptions since launch.
Tackling long-standing challenges.
For years, like many rural communities, Kenora relied on an aging, underperforming fixed-route bus system that struggled to meet the needs of its residents. Driver shortages forced the City to cut weekend service and left large areas uncovered. Frequent operational disruptions, maintenance issues, and long wait times all led to plummeting ridership.
Looking for a transit overhaul, City leaders decided to partner with a single, unified provider — one that specializes in both transit operations and technology. In October 2024, Kenora launched The Wave, an on-demand microtransit service fully managed by Via. From service planning and driver staffing to fleet maintenance, dispatching, and public engagement, Via oversees every aspect of the system.
Riders book trips in just a few taps on the app (or by calling the Via-provided call centre), track their vehicle in real time, and receive accurate arrival estimates. Behind the scenes, Via’s dynamic routing algorithm matches riders heading in similar directions, reducing detours and shortening trip times. Average wait times are now just over 14 minutes — a 75% drop compared to the former fixed-route system. Today, 68% of riders use The Wave to access jobs, school, and healthcare.
With strong results already in hand, Kenora prepares to expand service eastward, continuing to build better transit that fits people’s schedules — not the other way around.
This investment in microtransit demonstrates council’s commitment for innovative adaptation to change and the growing needs of our community. We are excited to all jump on and ride The Wave.
— Andrew Poirier, the Mayor of Kenora
