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OUR NEWS ARTICLES OF SUPPORT
Reprinted with Permission
The Toronto Star
Saturday, February 7, 2004
Caledon waits for buses
Darren Parberry, standing at a Toronto transit stop, wants to bring bus service to the 50,000 people of Caledon. His company is called Metis Transit Ltd.
CALEDON—Darren Parberry thinks he has the solution to Caledon's transit woes. Now all he needs is the money.
Parberry, who has set up a company called Metis Transit Ltd., is prepared to purchase nine used buses to launch the town's only transit service, but hasn't been able to find private investors. He's asking Caledon to provide $350,000 in start-up money.
He projects 1,000 riders a day in the town of just over 50,000 people, and says the service is sorely needed to get students to school and people to jobs, and medical and other appointments.
Parberry predicts the company will earn $1.9 million in profit by year five, with revenue coming from fares, advertising on buses, benches and shelters, and from the company's Web site.
His estimate is based on a $2 cash fare. His company will also offer weekly passes for $16 for students and seniors, $18 for adults and $14 for children under 12.
Public transit doesn't have to lose money, Parberry maintains.
"We'll treat it like a business and use every available means to make a profit. We won't be thinking inside the old transit box."
Once funding is granted, "we can be up and running in four months."
Council asked for a detailed background report from staff on the proposal before considering any funding.
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