Burlington Transit celebrates 50 years of connecting communities
November 10, 2025
This past September marked a significant milestone for Burlington Transit, as the city's transit system celebrated five decades of service! What began as a transition from regional and private transit providers in 1975 has evolved into a comprehensive network that serves as the backbone of Burlington's transportation infrastructure.
The transformation has been remarkable. From an initial four routes, Burlington Transit now operates across 16 via an impressive fleet of 70 conventional buses and 15 specialized vehicles, demonstrating the community's growing use of this vital service.
The numbers tell a compelling story of success and community trust. In 2023, the system hit a record high of 2.97 million trips, but the momentum didn't stop there; last year saw ridership reach 3.6 million trips, reflecting the growing confidence residents have in their transit system.
Yet this success didn't happen overnight. Over the past five years, the City of Burlington has made strategic investments in expanding transit service throughout the city. This commitment includes significant investments in both vehicles and staffing resources to deliver an expanded and more frequent transit network that meets growing demand. This includes a key achievement in 2024, when Burlington Transit began operating six routes that provide 15-minute service or less, encouraging rapid, efficient transit use and increasing ridership in the process.
The system's effectiveness is further enhanced by aligned schedules with GO Transit, supporting strong regional connections that make transit a practical choice for residents traveling both locally and to surrounding areas.
To commemorate this golden anniversary, Burlington Transit has launched special initiatives that reflect both celebration and environmental stewardship. The system released a limited edition commemorative PRESTO card, giving riders a tangible piece of this historic milestone. Perhaps most meaningfully, the organization will be planting one tree for each of their 50 years of service near bus stops across the city. This initiative serves multiple purposes: improving the customer experience, supporting growth of the urban tree canopy, and advancing the City's Climate Action Plan.
In 2024, Burlington Transit began operating six routes that provide 15-minute service or less, encouraging rapid, efficient transit use.
Recent years have also seen important equity improvements in service accessibility. In 2023, free all-day fares were introduced for seniors, with youth receiving the same on evenings and weekends, removing financial barriers that might prevent community members from accessing key transit services.
The commitment to environmental responsibility and modernization continues with the system securing nearly $17 million in funding for new fleet investments in 2024. This includes zero-emission buses and additional specialized vehicles, positioning the system at the forefront of sustainable transit technology.
As Burlington Transit looks toward the future, the foundation built over these five decades provides a strong platform for continued growth and innovation, ensuring that public transit remains an integral part of Burlington's community fabric for generations to come.