Kenora’s newest micro-transit system is proving to be a hit.

The Wave has been in operating for just one month, and already three times as many people are taking the mini vans, compared to the conventional transit system, when it was running.

Matt Worona from Via, which runs the micro-transit system, says they are pleased with the reception they have received.

“We definitely see, kind of compared to other places in Canada, a real strong reliance on the service, even though it just showed up,” Worona said following his presentation to Kenora city council with some of the statistics Via had generated during the first month of operation.

“When we think about what they would have done, other than take a ride on the Wave, sometimes we see ‘I would have walked or would have taken a bike’.  Those types of things.”

Statistics kept by Via show the Wave is averaging just over 200 rides a day.  A ride costs $2.50.

Worona adds they are applying for a grant to potentially expand the system.

“Probably too soon to tell, in terms of what exactly expansion looks like, considering we have the application that we’re going to be submitting.  As well as getting some priorities from riders at the moment with the ridership.

Other statistics from Via show the average length of a ride is 9.7 minutes and wait time is 14.3 minutes.

Some of the recommendations for expansion include more days, and longer hours of operation, and expanding the service area to include the Jones Road.