Overcrowding Concerns Prompt Calls for Improved MiWay Service in Mississauga

A recent photograph of a packed Mississauga bus has ignited a heated discussion about the urgent need for enhanced MiWay service in the city. Shared on Reddit last week, the image featured the Route 35 Eglinton Avenue West bus filled with commuters at 7 a.m. on their daily route from Churchill Meadows to Kipling TTC Station.

The Reddit post not only highlighted the crowded conditions but also questioned whether any measures were being taken to alleviate the issue. The original poster expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation, emphasizing that passengers paying nearly $5 for a one-way bus ticket should not have to endure congested and unsafe conditions.

While some users on the platform acknowledged that rush hour congestion was a common occurrence on public transit systems, others strongly believed that improvements could be made to the MiWay service in Mississauga.

One Reddit user pointed out that MiWay could undoubtedly perform better, suggesting that buses should operate at intervals of no more than 15 minutes, instead of the current 30-minute gaps between services. Another user criticized the consistent defunding of the transit system over the years, emphasizing that minimizing services and overcrowding buses would not contribute to its growth.

Responding to these concerns, a spokesperson from the City of Mississauga acknowledged their awareness of the overcrowding issue. The spokesperson explained that MiWay ridership had already surpassed pre-pandemic levels, placing significant strain on the existing network capacity. They specifically identified Route 35, along with five other routes (61, 18, 2, 51, and 57), as the ones most frequently experiencing overcrowding.

In an effort to address the situation, the City of Mississauga spokesperson assured the public that they actively reallocate resources and make necessary adjustments to routes and frequencies. They also highlighted the introduction of larger, 60-foot articulated buses last summer, aimed at alleviating overcrowding on select routes.

The discussions on Reddit and the City of Mississauga’s acknowledgment of the issue underscore the pressing need for improvements in the MiWay service. As ridership continues to rise, commuters rightfully demand a safe, reliable, and less congested travel experience. It remains to be seen how the city will tackle these challenges and enhance its transit system to meet the growing demands of its residents.