The document notes that Guelph Transit offers longer hours of service Mondays through Saturdays.

"Since the introduction of the Council-approved transit route system in 2013, ridership growth and revenues have been lower than anticipated, resulting in revenue projections not being realized," the document states. "Guelph Transit has assessed ridership volumes and determined that a reduction in Sunday, holiday and summer service frequency would have the least impact on transit riders."

That doesn't sit well with Ward 3 Councillor Phil Allt, who thinks Sunday bus service should actually be increased and not reduced.

"People work on Sundays and reducing the service will cause hardship," Allt said. "I think we should increase Sunday service. I don't think the savings (through service reductions) are actually there. And we'll never get people off the roads if we reduce service."

But when it comes to fare increases, Allt believes it has to happen.

"The reality is we have to fund this service. It has to pay for itself. I think the province has to assume greater responsibility for transit as well, though. It's well and good to have rapid bus service between cities, but we also have to get people to work in Guelph," Allt said.

Allt predicted close votes when council gets down to the nuts and bolts of deciding what's in and what's out of the budget.

Council has already approved the nontax supported budget, which will see a four per cent increase in water and wastewater rates.

The next important budget dates are:

Nov. 10 staff will present the tax-supported operating budget.

Nov. 16 is presentations by Local Boards and Shared Services.

Nov. 18 an explanation of proposed expansions (new hires) and their justification.

Nov. 19 an explanation of proposed reductions and the savings that should be realized.

Nov. 30 public delegations.

Dec. 9 council will debate and make final decisions on the operating and capital budget.

jshuttleworth@guelphmercury.com