Climate Corner December 2024 – Traveling in Muskoka and Reducing our Greenhouse Gases

How we get around Muskoka has a big impact on the climate. Transportation fuel use is the primary driver of energy use and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in Muskoka, making up 67% of energy costs and 74% of GHG emissions, most of which come from privately owned vehicles. To truly reduce GHG’s in Muskoka, it is essential that we embrace alternative transportation options such as public transit.  How can we do that when we live in a rural area where we don’t have the same public transit infrastructure or as many options as larger municipalities?

In fact, across Muskoka there are several public transit options, and the District is bringing new ways to help people move around the region.  Here are four public transit options available in Muskoka, along with some tips to reduce your fuel usage if you are using a private vehicle.

1. New Demand-Responsive Transit – This is an exciting new initiative that launched in November of 2024 in the urban center of Gravenhurst. As the dense population around Gravenhurst previously lacked public transit options, this is where the District launched Phase 1. The service offers curb-to-curb service for those within the service area.  You can create an account to book a ride on the DRT using the Blaise app,  the Blaise website or by calling 705-645-2100 ext. 4419 during regular office hours, 8:30am to 4:30pm. The app creates the most efficient route to pick up and drop off passengers. The van has a lift and can accommodate wheelchairs. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 7am-7pm. Fares are $5 for adults and $3 for youth, and children 12 and under ride for free with an adult. Subsides may be available for those in need.
2. Bracebridge Transit:  Bracebridge Transit serves the town center and is available Monday-Friday 7:30 am to 6:30 pm and Saturday 8:30 am to 6:30 pm.  An Adult fare is $2.50, students are $2, and children (5 and under) are free.
3. Huntsville Transit:  Huntsville has two buses that service the town Monday-Friday 8am-6pm and Saturday 10am-6pm, one on the east side and one on the west side of town. Adult fare is $2.50, students are $1.25 and children (5 and under) ride free with an adult.
4. Corridor 11 Bus:  For those that need to travel along Hwy 11 there is a bus operated by the District in partnership with Hammond Transportation that goes from Huntsville to Orillia. Fares are based on distance traveled, with children 12 and under being free. The bus runs Monday-Friday with a morning, mid-day express routes and an afternoon trip starting in the north in Huntsville, and heading south all the way to Orillia with stops along the way in Port Sydney, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Kilworthy, and Washago and then returning north to Huntsville.

Reducing GHG’s while driving

1. Carpool when you can: Set up a carpool schedule at your workplace or with other parents if you have a child in school. By reducing the number of trips we take with just one or two people in a car we can lower our GHG’s.
2. Drive at the speed limit: When on the Highway, driving at 100km/h reduces your CO² emissions by 20% and uses 20% less fuel.
3. Maintain a steady speed: By driving at a steady speed, you can reduce your fuel consumption, as you are not braking and accelerating as frequently. When you do accelerate, do so gently and look ahead on the road to anticipate traffic flow. Coast to a stop when you can rather than breaking suddenly to take advantage of the momentum of your car, which reduces fuel use.
4. Driving a vehicle with tires under-inflated can increase fuel consumption by up to 4%. It can also reduce the life of your tires by more than 10,000 kilometers. Find the right tire pressure for your vehicle on the tire information placard. It’s usually on the edge of the driver’s door or doorpost.
5. Consider purchasing a hybrid or electric vehicle:  When you need to purchase a new car, consider a hybrid or electric car if your budget allows. Federal programs offer incentives of up to $5,000 to help lower the cost of purchasing an electric vehicle. The network of charging stations throughout the District of Muskoka is being built out, with current charging stations in Bracebridge, Huntsville, Baysville, Port Carling and Gravenhurst.

We can all do our part to reduce the GHG emissions associated with travel throughout Muskoka for a more sustainable future for all of us.

Sources:  

Natural Resource Canada: https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/transportation-alternative-fuels/personal-vehicles/fuel-efficient-driving-techniques/21038