Residents, businesses and visitors across Grey, Bruce and Dufferin counties can look forward to rural transit enhancements over the next five years. The three counties, in partnership with Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit (SMART), will receive up to $9.5 million from the province through the Ontario Transit Investment Funding (OTIF) to develop a unified regional transit network.
“Access to affordable and reliable transportation is essential to the economic, social and environmental health of rural communities,” says Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs, on behalf of the partnership. “We’re excited the province sees value in rural transit in our region and grateful for the significant investment that will help build a sustainable transit network across Grey, Bruce and Dufferin counties.”
The tri-county transit project would establish a seamless, equitable and efficient transit network connecting the three counties while enhancing mobility for all residents. The project builds on strategic work completed in transit planning reports from Grey, Bruce and Dufferin counties.
The long-term vision for the project is to establish a transit system across the region. The service would focus on offering seamless and equitable access and meeting transit accessibility requirements.
The project will receive funding through OTIF for five years to start up and grow this regional transit network. The first year of service will include the continuation of the Dundalk to Orangeville transit route, an in-depth study, collaboration with existing transit operators, community engagement and the creation of a request for proposal for a vendor to support the development and implementation of a regional transit network.
No additional services will be added until a full study and costing has been completed and a vendor is selected. This is expected to happen no earlier than 2026.
