City Pilots Electric Shuttle in Bridle Path for Senior Mobility
A new eco-friendly transit option is being tested to assist older residents in navigating the hilly, expansive neighborhood.
June 02, 2025 at 01:42 • By Daniel Ko, Bridle Watch
Bridle Path residents are seeing a new sight on their streets: a sleek, electric shuttle designed to assist senior citizens with local mobility. The pilot program, launched by the City of Toronto in partnership with a private mobility firm, is aimed at enhancing access to community spaces for older adults living in the expansive, often hilly neighbourhood.
The shuttle — nicknamed ‘Silver Loop’ by its drivers — runs on a fixed route between Sunnybrook Park, Bayview shopping nodes, and key residential clusters. With eight plush seats, a wheelchair ramp, and voice-controlled doors, it combines tech innovation with senior-friendly design. Early riders describe it as “a breath of fresh air” in an area where walkability is limited and conventional public transit sparse.
Pickups can be scheduled through a dedicated app or by calling a 24-hour hotline. The shuttle runs every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and is staffed by specially trained operators certified in eldercare sensitivity. “Our drivers are more than chauffeurs,” said project manager Celeste Gordon. “They’re eyes, ears, and sometimes even shopping bag carriers.”
The program is funded by a joint initiative between Toronto’s Department of Aging and the provincial Ministry of Transportation. It follows a successful trial in Etobicoke and marks the first time such a service has been offered in an ultra-low-density area. Officials hope it will reduce isolation, increase social participation, and model inclusive planning for other affluent districts.
Feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents report being able to attend book clubs, art exhibits, and medical appointments without relying on adult children or private drivers. “It gives me back my spontaneity,” said longtime Bridle Path resident Marjorie Wells, 81. “I don’t have to plan everything a week in advance.”
However, some logistics remain in flux. The shuttle struggles with certain narrow or gated private roads, requiring riders to meet at designated community points. Planners are currently negotiating with local homeowner associations to broaden access while maintaining property security. Additional pick-up spots may be added based on ridership patterns.
The environmental impact has also been highlighted. The electric shuttles produce zero local emissions, and their charging stations are powered by a green energy cooperative. City officials note that, if successful, the program could reduce reliance on individual car use and inspire similar efforts in suburban and rural regions.
For now, the ‘Silver Loop’ has become a symbol of thoughtful innovation — proving that even in Toronto’s most luxurious enclaves, small changes can make a big difference. As one resident put it, “It’s not just a shuttle. It’s a signal that someone sees us.”