Sudbury Greyhound bus service slashed nearly in half

Residents of Sudbury, Ont., will have fewer options for long rides to distant cities once Greyhound bus service is reduced after Labour Day.

According to a company spokesperson, weekly rides to and from Toronto will be reduced from 30 to 18. Trips between Sudbury and Ottawa will be slashed in half. Service will also drop 50 per cent between Sudbury and Winnipeg. 

Greyhound is blaming a dip in ridership for the service cuts. 

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"Communities that will be affected will only experience a reduction in weekly frequency," said Greyhound spokesperson Ashley Sears.

The company will monitor their capacity and, if necessary, will add extra buses during peak travel periods to meet demand, she added.

"It doesn't surprise me that this is happening, but it's more of an inconvenience," said student Adam Anwar, adding he's noticed reductions in the past. "It would be better if they had a competitor because Greyhound is the only one."

For some people, Greyhound is their main means of transportation out of the city. 

"I've come to rely on the Greyhound," said Sudbury resident Diane Markson. "When they give service, they give good service."

Sears said Greyhound will review the reductions in the spring and has not yet decided what routes, if any, will be added back for the summer months. 

The Ministry of Transportation told CBC News it is aware of the reduction in service and is working with Ontario Northland to establish a viable transportation system.