The ION buses connecting Kitchener and Cambridge as part of the rapid transit service project in Waterloo region will be in service starting this month — armed with USB charging ports and free wifi on board.

Instead of getting a light rail service between Kitchener and Cambridge, the public will have to get on a bus for now before service is introduced in phase two of the project.

The nine buses will be travelling throughout Cambridge on a number of routes until LRT launches, then their permanent home will be between the Fairway ION station to Ainslie Terminal.

"The new ION buses will provide Cambridge residents with a high-tech, environmentally-friendly transportation option," said Regional Chair Ken Seiling in a media release.

In phase two of the rapid transit project, the region looks to introduce the LRT in Cambridge. Currently there is an "extensive public consultation" to determine the route and location of the stations.

LRT service is expected to launch this spring.

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