Blaire Sylvester received the Excellence Award at the 2024 CUTA Awards.

Norfolk County’s Ride Norfolk transit system owes much of its success to Blaire Sylvester’s leadership. As the Ride Norfolk Coordinator, Blaire has been

instrumental in transforming the transit system over the past six years. Her creativity, leadership, and customer service skills have elevated the service to new heights.

Under Blaire’s guidance, Ride Norfolk shifted from a fixed route system to an On-Demand model, making transit more accessible

and efficient for rural riders. This innovation has been recognized as a model for other rural communities. Her efforts have led to a 63% increase in ridership in 2024 alone.

Blaire actively promotes Ride Norfolk, hosting community events and information sessions to raise awareness. Despite challenges, she rebranded the program, resulting in buses running at full capacity and heightened public awareness. She has navigated complex relationships with third-party providers, ensuring service levels are met and maintained.

Blaire’s contributions extend beyond Norfolk County, influencing transit operations in other regions. Through her leadership and dedication, she has made public transit more reliable, inclusive, and accessible for all residents, from seniors to students. Her work continues to inspire and improve rural transit across Ontario.