Kitchener Hindu temple launches petition for new bus route

The Ram Dham Hindu Temple in Kitchener, Ont., has launched a petition for a new bus route from Conestoga Mall to serve its members and other people who use the Hindu temple as a community space.

Officials at the temple say people who attend for prayers, or who even use the space for community events or courses such as yoga or sanskrit classes, need a better way to get to the building. The temple can see between 2,000 and 4,000 people during special events.

Swami Chaitanya Jyoti says they have a number of people who come to the temple who are immigrants who don't drive.

"They don't have any vehicle, they're coming on foot," she said.

Jyoti says members have asked officials, "'Why are you not trying to get a bus for us. Everywhere the buses go, why not to the temple?' I said we would try."

The closest bus stop to the temple is currently about 850 meters away, or approximately a 10 minute walk. There is no sidewalk for people to use in the area.

The temple is located at 525 Bridge St. E., approximately seven kilometres from Conestoga Mall, which is where the temple members wouldlike the route to begin because of its proximity to the LRT and other bus routes.

The mall "is a centre point for all the types of people," Jyoti said, addingthey wouldbe OK with any changes Grand River Transit (GRT) would be willing to make.

They are hoping to see a route "as soon as possible" and ideally would like to see a covered bus stop in front of the temple so people would have a place to be sheltered when waiting for the bus.

GRT asking for feedback

Regional Coun. Colleen James, who represents Kitchener, says she is aware of the petition. She says GRT is currently collecting feedback from the public as part of its business plan, so this is the "perfect opportunity" to talk about expanding or adding services.

James noted for people who are older have mobility issues, there is a door-to-door service called Mobility Plus offered by GRT.

James says she knows in the pastthe temple has asked for a bus stop.

"Their petition asked for a new bus route, so that's a whole different conversation," James said.

The petition on the website Change.org has garnered more than 1,000 signatures. Jyoti says they hope the region or GRT respond to it so they can work together on a solution.