Starting next week, residents of Caledon will have an innovative option for getting around as the town’s on-demand Argo Transit pilot kicks off.
Beginning on Sept. 14, this 15-month pilot introduces Argo’s electric, app-driven transit service to three regions within the municipality: Bolton, Caledon East, and Mayfield West/Southfields. Passengers can travel within and between these areas, with connections to Brampton Transit, York Region Transit, and GO Transit at specific transfer points.
Unlike traditional bus routes, Argo operates similarly to a blend of a rideshare app and regular transit. Riders can request a pickup near their location using the Argo Transit app or by phone, while the system organizes trips that are heading in the same general direction. Rides can be scheduled up to two days ahead or requested immediately.
Fares are aligned with standard transit rates: $3.55 for adults aged 20 to 64, $2.95 for youth aged 13 to 19, $2.00 for children aged 6 to 12, and $1.85 for seniors aged 65 and over. Children five years old and younger can ride for free. Transfers between Brampton Transit, York Region Transit, and GO Transit come at no additional cost; however, Presto is not yet accepted on Argo vehicles in Caledon.
The service will operate Monday through Friday from 5:30 a. m. until 8 p. m., and on weekends from 7 a. m. to 7 p. m. The fleet consists of ten fully electric vehicles that are wheelchair-accessible and can carry up to 18 passengers; however, the actual number of vehicles in operation may vary based on charging schedules and demand.
Passengers cannot simply wave down a bus at a stop-boarding is only allowed for those who have booked a trip via the app or phone call. The Town advises that during busy times, wait times may be longer than usual and suggests booking ahead for time-sensitive or longer journeys.
This launch follows several months of planning efforts. As reported by Insauga in springtime, the Town of Caledon collaborated with Argo Corporation on this approximately $4.6 million pilot program funded partly through Provincial Gas Tax Reserve funds as well as borrowed money from the municipality’s Capital Asset Replacement Fund.
The initiative aims to address gaps left by existing Brampton Transit routes 25, 41, and 81 which serve Mayfield West, Bolton, and Caledon East but have been described by the Town in a council report as having “limited frequency and coverage” without connecting these communities directly or reaching Caledon East effectively.
The current Brampton Transit routes will continue operating alongside Argo until the end of 2026 giving riders time to adapt before decisions are made about pausing or extending conventional services. Staff from Caledon are set to provide updates to council regarding how well the pilot is performing after six months and one year; there’s also an option included to extend it by another year until late-2028.
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Riders can sign up and schedule trips using the Argo Transit app available on both Apple App Store and Google Play or by calling 1-888-401-8252. More details can be found at rideargo. com/Caledon.
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