Residents, businesses and visitors across Grey, Bruce and Dufferin counties can look forward to enhanced rural transit services over the next five years.
The three counties, working together with Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit (SMART), have secured up to $9.5 million from the province through the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF). The funding will support the development of a seamless and accessible regional transit network.
“Access to affordable and reliable transportation is essential to the economic, social and environmental health of rural communities,” said 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 project aims to create a sustainable, efficient system connecting the three counties while enhancing mobility options for residents and visitors. The initiative builds on previous and current transit projects, including SMART, the Movin’ GB pilot, and the Grey Transit Route.
In its first year, the project will continue the existing Dundalk to Orangeville route, conduct a comprehensive regional transit study, engage with communities and existing transit providers, and issue a request for proposal for a vendor to help build the new network.
No additional transit services will be launched until after the study and costing review are completed and a vendor is selected, with expansion expected no earlier than 2026.
Stakeholder and community feedback will be gathered during the planning phase to help shape future transit services.
For more information, residents can contact their local county office or visit the Grey, Bruce or Dufferin County websites.