District Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT)

The District DRT (Demand-Responsive Transit) is a transit service model that is becoming more popular in rural areas. Passengers can book rides thirty (30) minutes to thirty (30) days in advance and each day the Blaise Transit technology will match riders with a vehicle and determine the vehicle's route for the day. The system navigates drivers to each pick up and drop off. Trips may be individual or shared with multiple riders during busy times of the day and when passengers are on their way to similar destinations. The vehicle is accessible, which means anyone wishing to travel in the service area can book rides, regardless of age or ability. As long as the pick up and drop off are within the service area, the DRT has got you covered!

(See the Phase 1 service area on the map below. Watch for future expansion of the service to other areas in 2026!)

Book your Ride

Three ways to Book a Ride on the District DRT

Blaise App available in the Apple Store for iPhone or Google Play Store for Android. Create an account and select The District DRT as your transit service.
Online on the Blaise website: www.blaisetransit.com. Create an account and select The District DRT.
Phone 705-645-2100 ext. 4419 during regular office hours, 8:30am to 4:30pm.

Hours of Service

The vehicle runs Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 7:00pm, excluding statutory holidays.

Phone bookings during office hours Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
Online bookings any time through the Blaise Transit app or Blaise Transit website.

Who can ride?

Rides are available to anyone, 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. In January 2025 the service area was expanded. (See the FAQ section below for service area map.)

Riders with a disability, as per AODA Guidelines, may be eligible to bring a companion rider if they require assistance. Mobility riders may be eligible for door-to-door service. Please contact us.

When to Book

Trips should be booked at least 30 minutes in advance. Trips may be requested up to 30 days in advance, and will be processed in the system 7 days before the trip. Trips are prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis.

The District DRT vehicle will meet passengers at the curb of their pick-up location or virtual stop. Mobility riders may be assisted door-to-door.

If you are using the app, you will receive a reminder notification with the details of your trip 1 hour in advance of your ride. Your ride has a 10 minute 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 may 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. A driver will wait if they can, but they often have upcoming rides that are scheduled making it impossible to stay at your location if you are not there ready for pickup.)

Recurring trips (i.e. every Wednesday) can be booked. If you require assistance call ext 4419.

Booking using the Blaise app: You will receive notifications in the app. At the time of booking, you will receive your planned pick-up/drop-off time in the app and a push notification confirming your booking time 1 hour before you trip. You can also "start your trip" in the app and view the vehicle's location in real time as it approaches you. Make sure you allow the app to push notifications on your phone! If you have the app open while riding, the app will let you know when the vehicle you are on is approaching your drop-off location.

Booking using the website: At the time of booking, you will receive your earliest departure time. You will receive a confirmation of your planned pick-up or drop-off time if you log-in to the website. You may also be able to make or see changes to your trip if you log-in to the website. Upcoming trips can be found in the passenger account under the Trips menu.

Booking by phone: At the time of booking, you will receive details of your trip pickup time. Dispatchers will only call you if there are changes to your trip.

Fares and 30-day passes

Phase 1 fares are:

Adults - $5.00
Seniors (65+) - $3.00
Youth (13-17) - $3.00
Children (12 and under) must be accompanied by an adult - Free
Support Person for an accessible rider - Free

NEW - 30-day passes available for $70.00

30-day passes can be purchased over the phone, in the app and added to your account. They driver on the bus does not have the ability to accept cash payment for passes on the bus.

Payment Information

The easiest way to pay is by using your credit card or Visa Debit in the app, web browser or over the phone.

You may also pay cash to the driver on the bus. Note: the driver will not be able to make change. Exact fare is required.

If you are paying by credit card or Visa Debit and your ride is rejected the amount will be refunded to your Blaise Wallet. You can use your Blaise Wallet credit to pay for future rides. If you’d prefer to be refunded to your card you can call 705-645-2100 ext. 4419

Thirty (30) day passes 10 (Ten) Ticket Bundles can only be purchased over the phone, in the app, or on the website and cannot be paid for with cash on the bus.

Available Subsidies for Riders

Ontario Works Clients: District DRT rides may be approved by Case Managers.

Specialized Transportation Fund: To see if you are eligible to receive assistance contact 705-645-2100 ext 4417 and leave a message or specializedtransporationfund@muskoka.on.ca

Seniors: Eligible seniors can apply for the Seniors' Public Transit Tax Credit, a refundable tax credit to help cover public transit costs. Expenses incurred on or after July 1, 2017, can be claimed. For more information, visit the Government of Ontario website

Passenger Etiquette and 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.

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.

Please be respectful of your fellow passengers. Aggressive or intimidating behavior will not be tolerated and drivers may deny boarding or remove disruptive passengers. All provincial traffic rules must be followed.

Shirts and shoes must be worn.

Passengers must refrain from using profanity.

Riders may not interact rudely with the operator and other passengers or behave in an aggressive or intimidating manner.

No horseplay is permitted, and please keep your feet off the seats.
Talking on your phone is allowed but keep your conversation at a respectful volume for your privacy and the courtesy of others.
If listening to music, please use earphones and adjust the volume to avoid disturbing other passengers or the operator.

Appropriate fare must be paid.

Service Area Map

The District DRT's service area for Phase 1 is around the Urban Centre of Gravenhurst and beyond. It now extends from the Hwy 118 overpass in the north, to the Sparrow Lake Route D overpass in the south. The service area which is highlighted in red, can be seen on map below or you can find it in the Blaise app which can be downloaded to a smartphone, or when creating an account on the Blaise website.

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 an appointment or to work). 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 and it will add to your address book.
You can edit trips rather than having to cancel them and re-book. Click the pencil icon on your upcoming trip to edit.
If a trip that was booked on a card is cancelled or rescheduled, the credit will go to the rider's Blaise wallet balance. Book the next trip using that balance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the area for this transit service?

For Phase 1, the District is operating a test area that services the Urban Centre of Gravenhurst and beyond. It now extends from the Hwy 118 overpass in the north, to the Sparrow Lake Route D overpass in the south. The service area boundaries can be seen in the Blaise app or website, and is highlighted in red, on map below.

Will the District DRT service connect to the Corridor 11 fixed-route?
The DRT can deliver riders to the Corridor 11 stops. It is planned that tablets will be added to the Corridor 11 bus in 2026. This will allow pre-booked rides to reserve your seat on the Corridor 11 fixed-route, as well as the ability pay in advance and/or with a card.

Where do I board the bus?
The District DRT is a curb-to-curb service. (Some riders may be eligible for door-to-door service.) The technology will create a "virtual stop" for you based on what you request. If several passengers request rides in the same area, you may be asked to walk a short distance to meet at one stop. When being picked up or dropped off at a business, it is best to enter the business name and to ensure the correct location.

What does curb-to-curb mean?
The bus will stop roadside, 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 a safe spot visible to the driver.

Are there any locations within the indicated area that they will not drive to?
If a road is impassible due to inclement weather, road conditions, construction, or an inability to safely turn the vehicle, you may be requested to walk a short distance to or from your "virtual stop".

Is the vehicle accessible?
The vehicle for Phase 1 is a Dodge Promaster, which includes a rear lift and can accommodate wheelchairs. Drivers will assist passengers who request accessible rides.

Will you be offering specialized services?
Yes, individuals meeting the Accessibility for Ontario with Disabilities Act (AODA) definition of disability are eligible for specialized services. The vehicle has a lift and is configured to be able to transport 1 wheelchair at a time. Drivers provide assistance and can call out the next stop and if following along in the app, passengers can see where the vehicle is travelling.

What do I do if I require a support person to ride with me?
A support person may ride for free as a "companion". This can be indicated in the app or website. For assistance setting this up, contact transit@muskoka.on.ca or call 705-645-2100 ext. 4419.

What type of training will the drivers have?
DRT drivers adhere to the same standards as Corridor 11 drivers, receiving extensive training, including classroom instruction, emergency first aid/CPR, and behind-the-wheel practice. They must pass a vulnerable sector check and 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 accommodates 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 2026.

Do you operate on holidays?
The District Municipality of Muskoka's transit services do not run on statutory holidays.

What about inclement weather?
Transit services may experience delays due to bad weather. If a delay occurs, check for updates via the booking method (app, website, or phone). The app provides real-time bus location tracking.

What are the timeframes for booking my transit ride?
Riders may book trips between 30 minutes and thirty 30 days in advance. If the vehicle is full or a time is unavailable, the system will suggest the next available or closest time. If the ride cannot be accommodated, the ride may be rejected.

I am creating an account but someone else will be riding. Whose name should I put on the account?
The name of the most frequent rider should be on the account. Dispatch can add notes with additional details for the driver.

Do users get notified if their ride time is adjusted?
Yes, notifications are provided through the same way the ride was booked.

If the service is booked at the time I want, what message is delivered?
The trip may be rejected, or a new time suggested. For assistance, call 705-645-2100 ext. 4419.

How long does the bus wait at the pickup location before they leave?
The bus may leave if you are not ready and waiting curbside at the beginning of your pick-up window. Please ensure you are ready and waiting at the start of your pick-up window. The vehicle may be able to wait if no other rides are upcoming, but in most cases must move on to ensure future rides are not delayed.

If I no longer need my booking, am I charged?
Yes, if you do not cancel your booking, you will be charged.

How do I cancel my booking?

Cancel your trip as early as possible to help maintain reliable service for all riders.

You can cancel your booking through:

Blaise App
Website: ride.blaisetransit.com.
Phone: Call 705-645-2100 ext 4419 (between 8:30am and 4:30pm)

Refunds:

If you paid with a credit card or Visa Debit, the amount will be refunded to your Blaise Balance, which can be used for future rides.

No-Show Policy:

If you do not cancel your trip, you will be marked as a no-show and may be charged for the trip.

Cancel as soon as possible to ensure reliable service for all users. No-shows will be charged.

How will you triage transit requests?
Requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. High-demand times may result in rejected rides or new time suggestions. Booking in advance is recommended.

Can anyone outside of the District Municipality of Muskoka use the transit system?
Yes, anyone can use the service if it is in the service area boundaries. (See map in the app or above.)

Can I bring my stroller, wheelchair, or walker onto the bus?
Extra items are accommodated when space permits. You may specify what you are traveling with in your booking. Strollers are allowed, but must be stowed and children must sit in a seat or on a guardian’s lap. Car seats are not provided, but seatbelts are onboard and you are welcome to secure and use your child's car seat. Walkers and other large items must remain clear of aisles.

Will there be a bike rack?
The vehicle used in Phase 1 does not have a bike rack. Future vehicles may feature bike racks.

Are service animals or other animals allowed on the bus?
Service animals are permitted but must be securely leashed and controlled. Pets in carriers are also allowed, provided the carrier meets size requirements and does not impede other passengers.

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 launch of the District DRT (Demand-Responsive Transit) project was 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.