Fifty years ago today, on March 10, 1975, Fredericton Transit was officially established as a municipally operated service, providing residents with reliable public transit options. The 50th anniversary milestone will be proclaimed at City Council tonight, and celebrated with various activities throughout 2025.
The first known Fredericton local bus service began in 1935 under the name Capital Transit, operated by the Vaughan family, who were also known for their automobile sales and repair businesses. Throughout the 1950s, 1960s and into the 1970s, several organizations provided transit services with varying levels of service. In 1975, Fredericton City Council brought the service under municipal control, ensuring a sustainable and public-focused transportation option.
"This milestone is a testement to the ongoing dedication of Fredericton City Council, Transit staff, and the continued support of thousands of customers who rely on our service year after year" said Mayor Kate Rogers.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, a time capsule has been created, with contributions from current transit staff and others involved in the service today. Items include photos, maps, anecdotes and stories reflecting current operations as well as some historical pieces. This capsule will be sealed to mark the significance of this milestone and to be opened in the future, offering Frederictonians in 2075 a glimpse into the present-day operations and experiences of Fredericton Transit.
“Looking ahead, we’re committed to improving our service to meet the needs of the community. We’ve already seen the positive impact that enhancements like providing Sunday service and new technologies like accepting debit/credit on our buses have had on customer satisfaction, and we’re excited to continue this momentum,” added Charlene Sharpe, Transit Manager for the City of Fredericton.
Stay informed about the anniversary celebrations and future service improvements by following Fredericton Transit’s Facebook page for the latest updates and announcements.