By Laurie Watt

A south-end developer is partnering with Barrie to bring buses - and hopefully more jobs - to the Bryne Drive and Commerce Park Drive area.

BIN Management is pitching in $20,000 to help the city "advance" transit service to the commercial and office area. Buses now run along Mapleview Drive, but they do not go south into the area that includes restaurants, stores, offices and private schools.

"The funding for this added service is primarily through a contribution from the developer and our provincial gas tax allocation. There is no funding from the city tax base in 2009," said transit manager George Kaveckas.

The plan is to launch a pilot project in the area, which would send buses south to the area - that also includes Galaxy Cinemas - weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., starting April 20. The city had once offered service there, but cut it in 2007.

"This type of public-private partnerships are vital to the city," said Ward 7 Coun. John Brassard.

"In spite of what's happening in the broader economy, employers are being attracted and jobs are being created in this part of Barrie which is driving demand for the increased level of transit service. I see this as a real opportunity to support the increasing economic development activity that is going on in the south part of the city by re-establishing the bus route to this area."

In requesting working with the city on bringing back buses, BIN Management's Roy Prez said the lack of transit cost his company tenants - new and old. He also expressed concerns about pedestrian safety in the area.