ESPANOLA—While it is good news that Ontario Northland bus service has been returned to Espanola, this location will be the closest location for Manitoulin Island residents to catch the Highway 17 bus.
The Ontario Northland bus has returned to Espanola and will have pick-up and drop-offs at the Espanola recreation complex (175 Avery Drive).
“This is fantastic news,” stated Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha. “It took a lot of work on the part of the Mayor Douglas Gervais town council and my staff.”
MPP Mantha explained, “the Town of Espanola stepped up and provided a location in town where bus users will be able to use to get warm, is well lit and accommodating.” MPP Mantha explained the bus service had originally gone to Tim Horton’s in Espanola but after Ontario Northland pulled the service out of Espanola, pick-up and drop-offs had been at the McKerrow Esso station, which has had no seating, accommodation or much light.
A spokesperson for Ontario Northland told The Expositor on Wednesday of last week, “the (Espanola) service runs every day of the week except for Saturdays.” He explained the Ontario Northland bus from Sault Ste. Marie arrives in Espanola at 1:50 pm, while the bus service from Sudbury arrives at 7 pm in Espanola.
“There has been a change of location for Espanola, with the pick-up and drop off service now being at the recreation complex,” said the Ontario Northland spokesperson. “For our service, the closest to Manitoulin Island is Espanola.”
