Connect Hastings - Shuttle Bus Service to Belleville
A New Way to Stay Connected: Introducing the “Connect Hastings” Pilot Project
Bancroft Community Transit (BCT) has some exciting news that’s already bringing a wave of optimism to our rural communities. Yesterday, BCT announced the launch of Connect Hastings, a compassionate new pilot project designed to reconnect residents with much-needed transit access to Belleville.
Why Connect Hastings Matters
For years, Foley Bus Lines provided a route to Belleville—an essential service for many people who rely on affordable transportation for appointments, shopping, work, and social connection. When that service ended, a major gap was left behind.
BCT’s Director of Operations, Gwen Coish, shared that riders have been requesting this service to return for quite some time. Many of BCT’s clients already travel to places like Belleville and Kingston regularly, supported by dedicated volunteer drivers. But as demand grows, the need for a more cost-effective, reliable, and accessible option has become clear.
A Partnership Rooted in Community Care
Connect Hastings will be offered in partnership with Central Hastings Support Network (CHSN), with a bus generously provided by Switzer-CARTY in Madoc. This collaboration brings together organizations that share the same goal: making it easier, more affordable, and more comfortable for residents to travel where they need to go.
Coish explained that one of the biggest advantages of the new service is cost-sharing. Instead of volunteers making long-distance trips almost daily, a shared bus route helps reduce mileage costs and keeps rides affordable for everyone who needs them.
“We’re hoping it will be revenue-neutral,” Coish said. “We’re not looking to gain anything except the ability to offer a service our community has been asking for—and one that is desperately needed.”
A Route Designed For the Community
While the schedule is still being finalized, the current plan is thoughtful and flexible. The bus will likely start in Madoc, travel to Bancroft, return to Madoc, and then continue on to Belleville.
This isn’t just about getting people out of Bancroft—it’s also about bringing people in.
“There are individuals in Madoc who want to come to Bancroft for the day,” Coish explained. “We want to make sure we’re supporting travel in both directions.”
A Pilot Project With Purpose
Connect Hastings is starting as a pilot so BCT and CHSN can really understand community needs—when people want to travel, how often, and what destinations matter most. Over the next few months, they’ll listen closely to rider feedback and adjust the service to serve as many people as possible.
The very first trip will take place Friday, October 24, with one trip each month until December. Each run will take place at a different time of the month to help determine what schedule works best.
Helping People Stay Connected
Connect Hastings represents much more than a bus route—it’s a step toward greater independence, inclusion, and connection for residents across Hastings County. By working together, our local organizations are opening doors to opportunity, health care, community, and belonging.
And this is just the beginning.
Contact Us To Book a Seat!
Bancroft area residents call Bancroft Community Transit:
613-332-8291 ext 102
Central Hastings residents call Central Hastings Support Network:
613-473-5255 ext 5
