A proposed regional transit system connecting communities across Grey, Bruce, Dufferin, and Wellington counties could begin operating in the summer of 2027, with municipal costs expected to rise as provincial funding winds down.
The first detailed draft of the Bruce-Dufferin-Grey-Wellington Unified Regional Transit Network has now been presented to Grey County council. It proposes three main inter-community bus routes, expanded on-demand transportation, and a common regional system centred around Owen Sound.
The base network is estimated to cost just over $3 million to operate in 2027, increasing to about $4.33 million by 2031. Provincial funding would cover much of the cost during the first several years.
After fares and Ontario Transit Investment Fund support, the combined cost to the four counties is estimated at about $408,500 in 2027.
That municipal contribution would rise to approximately $1.86 million in 2029, nearly $3 million in 2030 and $3.28 million in 2031, when the current provincial operating subsidy would no longer be available.
Grey County would carry the largest share. Its estimated contribution would increase from about $178,400 in 2027 to $1.56 million by 2031.
Bruce County's estimated share would rise from roughly $102,600 to $764,800 over the same period, while Wellington County's would increase from about $49,500 to $443,900.
The study notes those figures could change once an operator is selected and says other funding sources could reduce the municipal contribution.
"It should be noted that the table below does not reflect Provincial Gas Tax revenue," the study says, along with potential revenue from grants, donations and advertising.
The proposed network includes a route between Owen Sound and Guelph, travelling through Chatsworth, Williamsford, Durham, Mount Forest, Arthur and Fergus.
Another would run from Wiarton to Orangeville through Hepworth, Shallow Lake, Owen Sound, Chatsworth, Markdale, Flesherton, Dundalk, and Shelburne.
A third would connect Kincardine and Collingwood through Tiverton, Port Elgin, Southampton, Allenford, Owen Sound, Meaford, Thornbury, and Blue Mountain Village.
The three main corridors are proposed to operate four round trips per day from Monday through Saturday.
Grey County says existing rural transit service is currently fragmented.
"Some communities have no public transit service, and traveling between counties without a personal vehicle is challenging," the county says. The four counties have access to up to $9.495 million through the Ontario Transit Investment Fund to help develop and initially operate the regional network.
The plan would also use on-demand transportation to connect communities outside the main bus corridors, potentially through Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit or private taxi and rideshare operators.
Owen Sound would serve as the main transit hub.
A separate seasonal route is proposed in Bruce County to help address transportation needs associated with summer tourism and employment.
The study is not yet an approval to launch the network.
Staff are expected to return with recommendations early in the new council term in 2027, with participating county councils and the SMART board ultimately deciding whether to proceed.
If approved, the study calls for service to begin in July 2027.
