Bruce - Dufferin - Grey - Wellington Regional Transit Study

Transit needs are growing across rural communities in the region due to population growth, an aging population, and rising costs of living. Currently, transit options across the four counties are limited and disconnected. Some communities have no public transit service, and traveling between counties without a personal vehicle is challenging. 

Transit services tailored to the needs of residents in Bruce, Dufferin, Grey and Wellington counties will: 

• Expand access, including to communities that currently do not have public transportation 

• Enable easier travel within and between counties and surrounding regions 

• Provide more consistent service levels 

• Establish a unified fare structure across the region 

• Support residents in maintaining independence  

• Provide affordable alternatives as vehicle ownership costs continue to rise 

• Connect residents to jobs, healthcare, education and other essential services 

Public transit in rural areas—where populations are smaller and travel distances are longer—operates very differently than in urban centres. The Phase 1 study will explore whether coordinating efforts and sharing resources such as vehicles, technology systems, and administrative functions could help the four Counties achieve greater efficiencies. These efficiencies may lead to an improved and more sustainable transit service across the region. 

Phase 1: Developing the Plan (Fall 2025 to Spring 2026)

Dillon Consulting Limited has been hired to design and assess the feasibility of a unified regional transit network across all four counties. The Phase 1 study will identify: 

• Type and level of service suitable for the region 

• Passenger fare strategy and cost structure 

• Integration opportunities with existing transit services 

• Next steps for implementation

Input from the public is a key part of Phase 1. We want to know how you currently get around, what you think a unified Regional Transit Network should look like, what are your priorities when designing a network, and what is working well today with existing transit services. Feedback is being gathered through the survey, public meetings, and community events to ensure the recommended plan reflects the needs of residents across all four counties. 

The recommended plan will be presented to each County Council and the SMART Board for consideration in May 2026. 

Phase 2: Implementation and Operation (2026 - 2030)

Pending approval of recommendations from Phase 1, implementation will proceed with partial operating funding committed through the Provincial Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) over a four-year period. 

Regional Transit Study project staff will be attending community events throughout December to answer questions and gather feedback. Come chat with us about how you currently get around, what is important to you in terms of transit, and your thoughts on current transportation options.

Online Survey 

Residents can provide feedback through an online survey, open until January 25, 2026. The survey asks about current transportation patterns, priorities for service design, and experiences with existing community transportation options. The survey takes less than five minutes to complete and is anonymous. 

Complete the survey now

Paper copies of the survey are available at county administration buildings and can be submitted during regular business hours: 

• Bruce County: 30 Park St, Walkerton, ON, N0G 2V0 

• Dufferin County: 55 Zina St, Orangeville, ON, L9W 1E5 or 
                             Edelbrock Centre, 30 Centre St Orangeville, ON,  L9W 2X1

• Grey County: 595 9th Ave E, Owen Sound, ON, N4K 3E3 

• Wellington County: 74 Woolwich St, Guelph, ON, N1H 3T9 

Public Open Houses 

Three public open houses will be hosted in January 2026 across the four counties. Two sessions will be held in-person, and one will be available virtually. Details on dates, times, and locations will be announced in mid December 2025. 

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.

Funded by the Government of Ontario. 

Additional funding and support provided by Phase One Study Partners:

Bruce County, Dufferin County, Grey County, Wellington County and Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit.