Windsorites hop on Tunnel Bus as service returns after more than 2 years
After more than two years, the only municipally-run, cross-border bus service in the country is back on the road.
Transit Windsor’s Tunnel Bus ran its first routes Sunday after the brakes were slammed on the service in 2020.
Among those who took the opportunity to use the service was Kathleen Archer who said she rode the Tunnel Bus twice a month before the pandemic.
When the service was stopped two years ago, Archer said, visiting the U.S. became an expensive challenge.
“It was horrible. I don’t have a car so when I did go across a couple times since the border’s been open, I’d take a cab. It’s $100 that way and over $100 coming back from Detroit,” said Archer.
The Tunnel Bus gives riders the opportunity to cross into Detroit without a car for $15 round-trip.
“I can finally go see my best friend when I want to. It’s freedom,” said Archer.
The new Tunnel Bus schedule is scaled back, however, compared to pre-pandemic.
From Monday through Saturday, the last bus leaves Windsor at an earlier departure time of 9 p.m.
Additionally, the special event service is not expected to return until early next year.
But for people who boarded the Tunnel Bus for its first day back, they said being able to use the service in any capacity is much-needed.
”There’s much more contact again between Canada and the U.S. I think it’s really a pity we lost that — but we’re trying to gain it back,” said Jennifer Tymoski.
Tymowsi, who has not crossed the land border in three years, said she boarded the Tunnel Bus on Sunday to see the Detroit Public Theatre and enjoy some Motor City eats.
“[I’m] having brunch with some friends that I haven’t seen in quite a while,” she added.
The Tunnel Bus route starts from the downtown terminal on Chatham Street before going into Detroit on an hourly basis.
More details on scheduling and pre-boarding rules can be found on the City of Windsor’s website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
EXCLUSIVE | Gay man taking Canadian government to court, says sperm donation restrictions make him feel like a 'second-class citizen'
A gay man is taking the federal government to court, challenging the constitutionality of a policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned.

Dominic Barton says he had nothing to do with federal contracts awarded to McKinsey
Dominic Barton, the former global managing director of McKinsey & Company, says he had no involvement in federal contracts awarded to the firm in recent years.
Australia is removing monarchy from its bank notes
Australia is removing the monarchy from its bank notes. The nation's new $5 bill will feature an Indigenous design rather than an image of King Charles III. But the king is still expected to appear on coins that currently bear the image of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Shubenacadie Sam sees shadow, predicts six more weeks of winter
Nova Scotia's Shubenacadie Sam has seen her shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter.
Quebec woman shocked to find stolen Audi driven through Ontario mall in 'insane' robbery
A Quebec woman said she was very surprised to find her stolen Audi had been used in what’s being described as an “absolutely insane” Ontario mall robbery.
Former CBC journalist dies after random attack on Toronto street, new suspect photo released
A long-time CBC radio producer who was the victim of a random assault in Toronto last week has died, the public broadcaster confirms.
New opera by Haitian-Canadian composer puts Black performers, stories in spotlight
When the opera 'La Flambeau' premieres next week in Montreal, Black performers will be front and centre in an artistic medium where they have historically been under-represented.
Militant who killed 101 at Pakistan mosque wore uniform
A suicide bomber who killed 101 people at a mosque in northwest Pakistan this week had disguised himself in a police uniform and did not raise suspicion among guards, the provincial police chief said on Thursday.
Ukrainian rescuers dig through rubble as Russia strikes civilian target
Top European Union officials arrived in Kyiv on Thursday for talks with Ukrainian officials as rescue crews dug through the rubble of an apartment building in eastern Ukraine struck by a Russian missile, killing at least three people and wounding about 20 others.