Some Saint John Transit users likely noticed changes to a couple of routes in the city this week.

Adjustments to Routes 1 and 15 took effect on Tuesday as part of the Transforming Transit project.

Route 1, which previously went as far east as McAllister Place, has been extended to serve the Irving Oil Field House.

“The field house is becoming an important cultural and community centre and we didn’t have bus service extending to there before,” said Ian Fogan, director of fleet and transit for the city.

“With Route 1 coming from the west side all the way to the east side and through the uptown, it now gives access to the entire community to be able to ride a bus all the way to the field house.”

The changes also see Route 1 now end at Lancaster Mall rather than continuing to Fairville Plaza.

Riders travelling between the two commercial centres will now be able to use Route 15. The service running between the west side and uptown via Harbour Bridge has been extended to serve Fairville Plaza.

Fogan said the goal of that change is to improve access for residents on the city’s west side.

“Prior to this, Route 15 would end at Lancaster Mall, and then you’d have to switch buses if you wanted to get to the Fairville Plaza,” he said. “With this improvement, Route 15 extends all the way to both locations.”

To accommodate the extension, Route 15 will now travel along Ludlow Street. Stops on Champlain, Charlotte and Duke streets will close, and stops will be added on Ludlow Street.

Meanwhile, Fogan said more changes will be coming on the west side in the new year. On-demand FLEX service will replace Routes 13 and 14 starting Jan. 9.

You can find more details on Saint John Transit’s website.