GRT Vehicles
GRT has both environmentally friendly hybrid buses and accessible low-floor vehicles.
Hybrid buses
Our hybrids reduce fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60 per cent. Hybrid buses also reduce operating costs because they require less maintenance.
Low-floor buses
These buses do not have steps. The front can be lowered so the bus "kneels" to make boarding easier for people. Low-floor buses, which display the wheelchair symbol on the front and sides, are also equipped with a ramp so passengers using mobility devices such as small scooters can board on a gentle incline.
Low-floor accessible buses make up 87 per cent of our fleet, and GRT is committed to purchasing only that model in the future.
busPLUS van
GRT's busPLUS service, suited to the needs of new neighbourhoods, uses a van to pick up and drop off customers at designated busPLUS stops. Fares are the same as for regular transit, and customers can use cash, tickets, passes or transfers.
Currently busPLUS provides service to the Northlake area of Waterloo, the Doon South area of Kitchener, and the Cherry Blossom district in Cambridge.
Special features
GRT buses are equipped with a variety of features:
Audio announcement technology
- In our fleet, 114 buses have technology to broadcast the next bus stop and street name. This feature helps people with a visual impairment and passengers travelling on unfamiliar routes.
Rear-door sensors
GRT buses have two styles of rear exit doors:
- GRT buses have either a push bar or motion sensor.
- Push bar buses have two vertical bars at the rear door. Wait for the green light to go on above the door, then push against one of the bars to open the door. Keep pressure on the bar until you have safely left the bus.
- Motion-sensor doors are marked with a green sticker and a picture of a hand. Stay well back of the doors and wait for the green light to go on. Then wave your hand near the area indicated and the doors will open. You don't need to touch the door. The doors remain open until the sensor detects that the path of the door is clear.
Mobile Surveillance Systems (Cameras)
Mobile surveillance systems have been installed on most Grand River Transit (GRT) buses and MobilityPLUS vehicles. Vehicles added to transit fleet before 1994 are not equipped with the surveillance system.
The Regional Municipality of Waterloo operates the bus transportation system under the Municipal Act and the surveillance system is used in support of the Region's mandate to provide this service. The operation of the system is guided by a policy approved by Regional Council. Under the policy, the use of the mobile system, which may collect the personal information of passengers and others in the recordings, are limited to deterring and investigating and resolving personal injury claims, and investigating and resolving employee discipline proceedings.
The surveillance system uses several cameras on each vehicle. The camera located at the operator's station also retains an audio recording of activities in that area.
The surveillance system is used only to record activities, and GRT staff do not have the ability to view live images on monitors. Surveillance system recordings are deleted 72 hours after collection. However, recordings may be retrieved prior to deletion and retained for longer periods if access and use are required or allowed either under the policy or by law.
Questions about the operation of the system and the personal information that may be recorded by the equipment may be directed to the Assistant Director, Transit Services at 519-585-7597 extension 7277.
