Metrobus Zip Network Begins in New Year

Today, St. John’s City Council announced funding and improvements to public transportation in St. John’s with the launch of Zip Network, which will improve offerings and increase frequency on multiple Metrobus routes starting in the new year.

The service improvements are part of a commitment by City Council to implement more frequent bus service. The budget for this improvement was originally approved in 2019, but implementation was put on hold due to pandemic restrictions.

“We are pleased to offer this improved service to Metrobus riders,” said Councillor Ian Froude, member of the St. John’s Transportation Commission. “Council is committed to public transportation, and more frequent bus service on the core routes is something we know users are anxious to see implemented.”

The Zip Network will offer improved service to Routes 1, 2, 3 and 10, beginning January 3, 2022.

Impacted Routes will see increased and consistent frequency throughout the day. Service will be available on these routes earlier in the morning and extending later in the day.

Zip Network Routes will offer:

• 15-minute frequency weekdays, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• 30-minute frequency weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
• 30-minute frequency on Saturdays, all day until 6 p.m. 

Funding of approximately $500,000 for 2022 is slated to be approved as part of the upcoming budget, to be presented to City Council on December 13, 2021.

“As we prepared for the upcoming budget, we heard through our public engagement processes the importance of public transit,” explained Councillor Ron Ellsworth, council lead on Finance. “We believe this is a sound investment that demonstrates the City’s strategic commitment to being a city that moves.”