KITCHENER -- Two new transit routes allow residents to travel between Kitchener-Waterloo and areas in Perth County.

The new community bus service, called Perth County Connect (PC Connect), is a partnership between the county and the City of Stratford.

It launched on Nov. 16 and fares will be half-price until Jan. 1.

There are five fixed routes operating Monday to Saturday, giving residents access to employment, grocery stores, recreational activities, medical appointments and other business.

"We have a number of industrial and agricultural businesses that have been struggling for employees and this is going to open up a market for folks who are a little bit further afield," North Perth Mayor Todd Kasemberg said.

"This now becomes an option for them to come to Stratford and of course return in a reasonable amount of time on a scheduled transportation route that they can rely on on an ongoing basis," Stratford Mayor Dan Mathieson said.

The routes are:

  • Route A: (Perth County North): Stratford, Gads Hill, Brunner, Milverton, Newton, Millbank, Listowel, Atwood, Monkton, Mitchell, Stratford.
  • 
Route B: (Perth County South): Stratford, St.Pauls, St. Marys, Kirkton, Mitchell, Sebringville, Stratford
  • Route 1: Kitchener-Waterloo to Listowel
  • Route 2: Kitchener-Waterloo to St. Marys via Stratford

  • Route 3: London to Stratford via St. Marys (coming soon)

Anyone wanting to use PC Connect can call 1-888-465-0783 to book a trip. Transit users need to arrive at the stop five minutes before their pick-up time with exact change for the fare.

Routes A and B will cost $6 a ride for adults and $5 a ride for students and seniors. Routes 1, 2 and 3 will cost $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students.

Officials said the first six weeks of service will have adjusted hours and reduced stops on some routes. Schedules will be adjusted in the new year to support people commuting to work, with additional stops in the Region of Waterloo at the GO Terminal and the University of Waterloo.

Masks are required on the buses.

With reporting by CTV News Kitchener's Krista Sharpe