The District DTR's Service Area boundaries expanded on January 13, 2025. Also, Adult 30-day passes are now available for frequent riders!
The District Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) is a transit service linking those in rural areas to urban centres and allowing them to connect to other services such as the Corridor 11. Riders can book rides in advance and the Blaise technology will match riders with a vehicle. Ride requests are tabulated and the best route is determined to include the requested pick-ups and drop offs for that day. The system will tell the driver where the vehicle is to go next. Trips may be individual or shared. During busy times of the day, the vehicle may pick up multiple passengers on the way to each destination. Anyone wishing to travel in the service area can book rides, regardless of age or ability.
Phase 1 is a small area in the Urban Centre of Gravenhurst, but expansion is expected in 2025!
Book your Ride
Three ways to Book a Ride on the District DRT
- The Blaise App available in the Apple Store for iPhone or Google Play Store for Android. Create an account and select The District DRT.
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Online on the Blaise website: ride.blaisetransit.com. Create an account and select The District DRT.
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Phone: 705-645-2100 ext. 4419 during regular office hours, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
| Hours of Service |
| Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 7:00pm, excluding statutory holidays. |
| Who can ride? |
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Rides are available to everyone, regardless of age or ability, who wishes to book a trip within the service area. The Phase 1 test area started on November 4, 2024 and serviced the Urban Centre of Gravenhurst. An expansion to the service area was added in January 2025. (See FAQs below) Anyone with a disability, per AODA Guidelines, is eligible for specialized service on the District DRT. This includes door-to-door service and the ability to ride with a companion. |
| When to Book |
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Trips should be booked at least thirty (30) minutes in advance. Trips may be booked up to thirty (30) days in advance, but will not be processed until seven (7) days before. Trips are prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis. The District DRT vehicle will meet you at the curb of your pick-up location. Those eligible for the specialized service may receive door-to-door service. If you are using the app, you will receive confirmation of your trip details one (1) hour in advance of your trip, including a pick-up window. Please be ready at the start of your pick-up window safely off the road, but visible to the vehicle picking you up. The driver will leave the location if the rider is not ready to ensure trips for other riders are not delayed. (e.g. If your confirmed pick-up window is between 8:00 a.m. and 8:10 a.m. you should be ready for pick-up at 8:00 a.m.) Recurring trips (i.e. every Wednesday) can be booked. Trips are processed seven (7) days before each trip. If booking more than 7 days before your trip:
If booking less than 7 days before your trip:
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| Fares |
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Phase 1 fares are:
NEW - 30-day passes available for Adults $70.00 |
| Payment Information |
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| Available Subsidies for Riders |
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| Respectful Behaviour |
| Travelling with bags, parcels, laptops, strollers or other items is acceptable, but please remember to keep the aisle clear so people can move through the bus safely and easily. Please keep free seats clear of items and available for someone to use.
Talking on your cell phone is acceptable behaviour while riding the bus, but please keep your conversation at a respectful volume for your own privacy and for the courtesy of other passengers. Passengers using audio/visual equipment are asked to use earphones and adjust the volume accordingly so as to not disturb other passengers or the driver. Exercise courtesy towards the driver and passengers alike. Refrain from engaging the driver in unnecessary chit-chat when the bus is in motion. Do not distract the driver or stand behind or beside the driver’s seat area. Please board the bus and make your way safely to a seat. Operators have the authority to deny passengers the right to board vehicles or remove any passenger who may be causing a disturbance or damaging the vehicle. Additionally:
Please be respectful of your fellow passengers. All provincial traffic rules must be followed. |
Using the Blaise App? Here are some tips
- Use the “Arrive” option to ensure you get where you need to be on time (eg. to get to work for a shift). Choosing this option means the system will only book a ride that gets you there on time.
- Use the “Leave” option to leave at a certain time (eg. to leave work after a shift). Choosing this option means that the system won’t pick you up before this time.
- Once your trip is confirmed, in the trip details you will see the pick-up time which is the start of your pick-up window. The bus may arrive at any point during this window. If you book your trip by phone, you will be given the ride details. You can also call back these details if you require them again.
- To make things easier, you can save the addresses that you use often. Simply click “Manage saved addresses” when entering a location.
- You can edit trips rather than having to cancel them and re-book. Click the pencil icon on your upcoming trip to edit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| What is the area for this transit service? |
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For Phase 1, the District is operating a small test area that services the Urban Centre of Gravenhurst. The service area boundaries can be seen in the Blaise app or on the Blaise website. An expansion of the service area boundaries was added in January of 2025. |
| Will the District DRT service connect to the Corridor 11 fixed-route? |
| It is planned that the District DRT will connect to the Corridor 11 bus in the future. |
| Where do I board the bus? |
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The bus is a curb-to-curb service. The technology will create a "virtual stop" for you based on what you request. Riders eligible for the specialized service may receive door-to-door service. The bus will always pick-up and drop-off on the correct side of the road of your requested location. You should not have to cross the road to get on or off the bus. If several passengers are requesting rides in the same area, you may be asked to walk a short distance to create one stop. Please note: If you are getting picked-up or dropped-off at a business, it is best to enter the business name when selecting the pick-up/drop-off spot to ensure the correct location. |
| What does curb to curb mean? |
| It means that the bus will stop at the end of the driveway or at the curb of the pick-up or drop-off location. You should be waiting beside the road in safe spot which is visible to the driver. |
| Are there any locations within the indicated area that they will not drive to? |
| If the driver determines a road is impassible due to weather, construction etc., or the inability to turn the vehicle around, you may be requested to walk a short distance to or from the pick up or drop off. |
| Is the vehicle accessible? |
| The vehicle for Phase 1 will be a Dodge Promaster which will include a lift and the ability to accommodate wheelchairs. The driver will assist passengers who request accessible rides. |
| Will you be offering specialized services? |
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Yes, anyone who meets the definition of having a disability per the Accessibility for Ontario with Disabilities Act is eligible for specialized service (AODA). The vehicle has a lift and the ability to accommodate wheelchairs. The driver will assist all specialized passengers at their stops. This will include calling out the next stop in addition to the app showing users when their stop is next. |
| What do I do if I require a support person to ride with me? |
| If you need a support person with you when you travel, they may be able to ride with you for free. This can be indicated in the app or website, or contact transit@muskoka.on.ca or call 705-645-2100 ext. 4419, if you require assistance to set up your profile with this request. |
| What type of training will the drivers have? |
| DRT Drivers adhere to the same standard requirements and training as our Corridor 11 drivers. They receive extensive training including classroom, emergency first aid/CPR, and behind the wheel training. Drivers must pass a vulnerable sector check from their local police service. Additionally, they are required to provide an annual driver record from the Ministry of Transportation. |
| What vehicles will be used for the service? |
| The vehicle for Phase 1 is a Dodge Promaster which includes a lift and currently has the seat configuration to accommodate a wheelchair and seven (7) regular seats. |
| How big is the on-demand transit fleet? |
| Currently, there is one vehicle operating for Phase 1. Future expansion is anticipated in 2025. |
| Do you operate on holidays? |
| The District Municipality of Muskoka does not operate demand-responsive transit or their other transit services on statutory holidays. |
| What about inclement weather? |
| Sometimes transit services experiences delays, often due to bad weather. If there is inclement weather occurring, or if you are waiting for the vehicle and it hasn’t shown up, check for updates via the same method you booked. (i.e. the app, website or by phone). You will also be able to view the location of the bus in real-time in the app when you are waiting for your ride. |
| What are the timeframes for booking my transit ride? |
| Riders may book their trip thirty (30) minutes to thirty (30) days in advance. If the vehicle is full or a time is not available, the technology will suggest the next available or closest time. You can accept or reject the suggested time. |
| I am creating an account but someone else will be riding. Whose name should I put on the account? |
| You should put the name of the person who will be riding most frequently. You can call dispatch to add notes with any additional details for the driver as well. |
| Do users get notified if their ride time is adjusted? |
| Yes, you will be notified through the app, website or phone if your ride time is adjusted. |
| If the service is full, what message is delivered? |
| If a trip cannot be accommodated the ride could be rejected or another time suggested. If you are having trouble booking call the District of Muskoka Transit line at 705-645-2100 ext. 4419 |
| How long does the bus wait at the pickup location before they leave? |
| The vehicle can leave if you are not ready and waiting curbside at your pick-up time. Please be ready at the start of your pick-up window, as being late may effect rides booked after yours. |
| If I no longer need my booking am I charged? |
| If you do not cancel your booking you will be automatically charged. |
| How do I cancel my booking? |
| You can cancel though the app, website or telephone. Please cancel trips as soon as possible to ensure a reliable service for all users. Users who do not cancel their trip and are not present for their pick-up will be charged. |
| How will you triage transit requests? |
| Requests are processed on a first come-first serve basis. Certain times of day can be be busy and rides could be rejected or new times suggested. Booking further in advance is recommended. |
| Can anyone outside of the District Municipality of Muskoka use the transit system? |
| Anyone can use the District DRT. It is not confined to residents of the District Municipality of Muskoka, but is confined by the boundaries of the service area. |
| Can I bring my stroller, wheelchair, or walker onto the bus? |
| The vehicle will accommodate extra requests when there is room to do so. You can indicate what you are travelling with (i.e. stroller, walker, grocery bags, hockey bag etc. in your ride booking). If you are travelling in a wheelchair, please make sure that it is in your profile as that will allocate more time in the routing to use the lift and ensure the driver has time to assist. Strollers are permitted but children should not ride the bus while in their stroller. Children must sit in a seat or on their guardians lap. Car seats are not provided, but each seat has a seatbelt. |
| Will there be a bike rack? |
| The vehicle used in Phase 1 does not have a bike rack. It is anticipated that some of the vehicles may have bike racks if the service is expanded in future phases. |
| Are service animals or other animals allowed on the bus? |
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Passengers who require the support of a service animal are permitted to bring their service animal on the bus. For the safety of all passengers, service animals must be securely leashed and under the care and control of the owner at all times. An operator may ask for confirmation of service animal certification. When service animals are present, please remember:
Note: Pets in carriers are permitted on the bus. Your pet must always remain in its closed carrier and the carrier must not impede other passengers’ use of the bus. Your pet’s carrier must be big enough to allow them to stand up, turn around and lie down safely and comfortably, with no part of them extending outside the carrier. Your pet could be refused travel if the carrier is deemed to be too small for them. |
Want to book a trip, but you're not currently in the service area? Tell us more! Help inform future expansion by completing our short form.
The District DRT (Demand-Responsive Transit) project is funded by the District of Muskoka and the Government of Ontario. The District Municipality of Muskoka is receiving up to $1 million through Ontario’s Community Transportation Grant Program to deliver local and intercommunity transportation services, including the District DRT project.