Photo by Jaykumar Bherwani on Unsplash.
Hub Staff
The Grey, Bruce, and Dufferin transit project has secured funding toward rural transit enhancements over the next five years. In partnership with Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit (SMART), the three counties will receive $9.5 million from the Province of Ontario's Transit Investment Funding (OTIF) to develop a unified regional transit network.
On behalf of the partnership, Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosvos said that access to affordable and reliable transportation is essential to the economic, social, and environmental health of rural communities.
The tri-county transit project's long-term vision is to connect the three counties and enhance mobility for residents through a seamless, equitable, and efficient transit network, building on transit planning reports from all three counties. The service will focus on equitable access and meeting transit accessibility requirements.
The project will receive funding through OTIF for five years, both for seed money to get the project off the ground, and to grow the regional network, with the first year of service including the continuation of the Dundalk-Orangeville transit route as well as collaboration with existing transit operators, community engagement, and taking steps toward securing a vendor for the development of the regional network.
"No additional services will be added until a full study and costing has been completed and a vendor is selected," the release said, adding that it is expected to happen no earlier than 2026.
