Living on the largest freshwater island in the world, it’s challenging to access shopping, school, work and community services without owning a car. Enter United Manitoulin Islands Transit (UMIT), a multi-stakeholder co-operative whose goal is to bring low-cost public transit to islanders and with that, revitalize the local economy.
In 2020, UMIT launched its new bus service which makes two runs a day around the north and central parts of the island. The co-op has also partnered with Montreal’s Blaise Transit to pilot an on-demand service in areas not served by the fixed bus route.
While testing these transportation services, UMIT is breaking new ground as Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders are collaborating on this endeavour for the benefit of all islanders.
It’s an exciting time on many fronts! Executive Director Joahnna Berti explains.
