A new shuttle service is helping connect residents with vaccines as part of a new assistance program. The Region of Peel launched a new round-trip shuttle earlier this week, which provides non-stop service from Mississauga’s City Centre Transit Terminal to the Paramount Fine Foods Centre Sportsplex Vaccination Clinic, as part of Peel’s Transportation Assistance Program (TAP).
The shuttle service hours will align with the clinic’s hours of operation. The shuttle will run approximately every 40 minutes between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., seven days a week, helping residents get to and from their vaccination appointments. Clinic and shuttle hours of operation are subject to change.
The new shuttle is a three-week pilot project that will remain in service through May 9, with the possibility of an extension. Brampton residents have frequent transit service from Bramalea City Centre to its largest vaccine clinic. This new shuttle will provide similar transit access from Mississauga’s central transit hub to its largest vaccine clinic. “I’m thrilled the Region of Peel and MiWay are working together to offer this important shuttle service to those who need it,” said Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie.
“This third wave of COVID-19 is hitting Mississauga and Peel Region harder and faster than the previous two, and we are committed to finding new ways to get people vaccinated quickly and safely so we can stop the rampant spread of this virus in its tracks.”
A MiWay fare is required to ride the Paramount Vaccine Clinic Shuttle. Customers can use PRESTO or a paper transfer to board and transfer between different buses on MiWay, or to transfer to public transit in neighbouring cities. Residents are reminded that COVID-19 vaccine clinics are by appointment only and that it is mandatory to wear non-medical masks or face coverings on board buses and inside terminal buildings under the City’s Face Covering By- Law.
Currently, Trans Help and Caledon Community Services also provide free transportation for residents 65 years and older and for people of all ages who have transportation barriers. “The Region is delighted to work with our local transit partners on this initiative to reduce transportation barriers and get residents vaccinated against COVID19 as quickly and safely as possible. Accessible and convenient transportation options are key to achieving our goal of vaccinating 75% of Peel’s population against COVID-19,” said Brian Laundry, a co-lead on the region’s Mass Vaccination Plan initiative. For transit service information, residents can visit miway.ca/shuttle.
