Transit Projects

The City of Peterborough has undertaken a study for the Long Term Growth Strategy for the Transit System, and a plan for the Downtown Transit Terminal.

Modifications to the Downtown Transit Terminal

Updates to the Transit Terminal, located at 190 Simcoe Street St., will remove the requirement for the buses to reverse out of the pick up and drop off locations as recommended in the Transportation Master Plan and Transit Route Review and Long-term Growth Study. Visit our Connect Peterborough project page to learn more. Work is expected to start in August 2025.

Transit bus storage facility

We are working on replacing the existing facility on Townsend Street so that bike racks can be put on buses and buses can be stored inside so they will start consistently in the morning.

We have considered various City-owned properties and a few privately-held properties that we could potentially acquire for this project. An Expression of Interest process is underway to seek other potential partners or property owners that want to be considered as part of this project. There are several ways that an individual, business or organization could partner with us or become involved in the transit storage facility project, including:

Offering other options for land or potentially existing buildings where the transit storage facility could be located, other than the municipality's own property;
Partnering with the City on the project and identifying resources they can contribute to the project, for operating and capital costs, towards other complementary facilities or services at the facility;
Identifying commercial partners that can bring alternative financing solutions to the project, which may include capital or operating resources, in exchange for benefits such as land, naming rights, improved or new municipal services that complement the transit storage facility, advertising on Peterborough Transit, and development rights as part of a public-private partnership.

The project requires a property that is at least five acres of developable land, has enough street frontage for two access points (preferably on two different collector or arterial roads), is relatively flat and relatively square in shape, is close to municipal sewer and water services, and is within six kilometres of 182 Townsend St.

Cameras on Peterborough Transit vehicles

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on Peterborough Transit vehicles, including buses and accessible vans, were installed and activated in 2021. These cameras are a part of Transit’s Intelligent Transportation System and fill a critical gap in our safety strategy. Peterborough is one of the last municipalities in Ontario to implement cameras on its public transit vehicles.

Frequently asked questions regarding CCTV system on buses

What are the benefits of adding video cameras on public transit vehicles?

Video cameras on public transit vehicles can:

Enhance the protection and safety of employees, customers, and the public
Deter and investigate incidents of vandalism or criminal activity
Protect Peterborough Transit property and assets
Support the investigation and resolution of customer complaints and claims
Act as an investigative tool for incidents involving our vehicles

Do other Transit systems use audio-video camera systems?

The use of audio video recording system (AVRS) cameras is very common across the public transit industry. Video cameras on public transit vehicles are effective at improving the safety and security of transit staff, customers and the community.

How will Peterborough Transit protect my privacy?

The operation of the Peterborough Transit video camera system will be in accordance with the City of Peterborough’s Video Recording Policy.

How does the camera system work?

Video and audio are stored on a secure on-board Digital Video Recorder (DVR) hard drive and can only be accessed by authorized Peterborough Transit and/or City of Peterborough personnel. The collected data will only be used for the purposes described in the City of Peterborough’s Video Recording Policy. The policy identifies who has authorization to access the information.

Are cameras being monitored in real time?

The audio video recording system (AVRS) is not designed to be monitored in real time. Any data access will be gathered retroactively in compliance with Peterborough Transit’s operational procedures and the City of Peterborough’s Video Recording Policy.

How long is data stored?

Audio video recording system data will be retained for a period of 72 hours. Video footage that is not downloaded will be overwritten on a rolling basis.

If a request is not made within 72 hours, the data will be overridden.

Data that has been downloaded will be kept for a minimum of one year. In the event of an internal matter, an accident, incident or a claim, the data may be stored for a longer period.

How will data be used, accessed and managed?

All requests for recorded audio and video will be managed by authorized Peterborough Transit and/or City of Peterborough staff. External cameras will be primarily used to capture vehicle-pedestrian, and vehicle-vehicle incidents.

All individuals under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act have the right to access to their video footage. Individuals who are recorded may request any video footage of themselves through the Freedom of Information (FOI) procedure. Requested data will be subject to redaction of all images and/or identifiers of other private individuals (not including Peterborough Transit and/or City of Peterborough employees and emergency responders) would be redacted from the footage before the copy is provided. Please note that in accordance with the Act, fees may be levied.

How does Peterborough Transit notify the public about the cameras?

Decals are posted on all vehicles with cameras.

What areas of the bus does the camera system cover?

The camera system will record video and audio on both the inside and outside of buses and accessible vans using multiple cameras. The number of cameras and locations may vary depending on the size and model of the vehicle, but in general will include up to 8 cameras.

Camera locations and angles will be provided upon request.

For more information about the Peterborough Transit CCTV Program, please contact us by email at transitoperations@peterborough.ca.

City Hall
500 George St. N.
Peterborough, ON
K9H 3R9

Phone: 705-742-7777
Toll Free: 1-855-738-3755
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