Regional transit planning is gaining ground.
Grey County, Bruce County, Dufferin County, and Saugeen Mobility Transit have been working toward a shared transit system, supported by $9.5 million from the Ontario Transit Investment Fund.
Stephanie Stewart, Grey County Manager of Community Transportation, told County Council there is now a new partner participating in a planned study of the proposal.
"September 3, Wellington County decided to join our RFP process with a focus on integrating along Highway six, which is our Guelph to Owen Sound transit route and look at Highway Nine corridors and into neighbouring communities," she explained. "The study will explore how Wellington County's Ride Well Program will also be able to be leveraged to enhance our existing services and our regional connectivity. On September 19, last Friday, the RP did close."
The partners have secured $9.5 million through the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) to fund a six-month study that will design and cost the system.
"Our next steps will be to award the successful bidder and then, between October 2025 and March 2026, we will work closely with the successful bidder to develop a proof of concept study," Stewart explained. "This information will outline how funding would be allocated, the exact cost for years two through five, the service levels we could achieve according to different levels of budget, and forecast the potential cost beyond the grant period. How will we sustain this long term? Importantly, no funds will be spent on a new system until Council has reviewed the study and the findings and approved the final plan."
The study will also build on previous transit planning efforts and examine governance, service gaps, and fare structures. Preliminary provincial budget estimates suggest the unified transit network could cost about $6 million per year, with expenses divided among all partners.
The study will provide detailed financial and operational recommendations to help councils make informed decisions before any implementation. Grey County Council has authorized staff to sign the transfer payment agreement with the Province and has earmarked $145,000 in the 2026 budget to support the project.
Results of the study are expected in spring 2026, after which councils will review the findings and consider next steps. If approved, the new regional transit system could be in place as early as fall 2026, providing improved connections, enhanced rider experience, and more equitable access across the participating counties.
