Grey, Bruce and Dufferin transit project secures up to $9.5 million in funding

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.

Background:

Current partners in this tri-county transit project include SMART, Grey County, Bruce County and Dufferin County.

The project builds on both past and current transit programs and studies across the three counties:

• SMART has been operating since 1977.
• The Movin’ GB pilot project operated from 2015-2017 in Grey County.
• The Grey Transit Route has operated since 2020.
• The Bruce County Transit Demand and Feasibility Study was completed in December 2023.

Stakeholder and community engagement will occur as part of the project planning. Residents, businesses and visitors will have an opportunity to share feedback and suggestions.

For more information, contact:

Rob Hatten
Communications Manager
Grey County
519-373-1592
robert.hatten [at] grey.ca (robert[dot]hatten[at]grey[dot]ca)

Carley Donaldson
Corporate Communications Specialist
Bruce County
226-668-2235
cdonaldson [at] brucecounty.on.ca (cdonaldson[at]brucecounty[dot]on[dot]ca)

Megan Ball
Communications Manager
Dufferin County
519-941-2816 ext. 2513
mball [at] dufferincounty.ca (mball[at]dufferincounty[dot]ca)