The Ontario government announced on March 30, 2026, that it is providing $520,558 to Lanark County to help support and improve local public transportation services. This funding is part of a larger provincial effort, which is investing nearly $380 million across 107 municipalities this year to strengthen transit systems.
The money will support the Lanark Transportation Association, a non-profit organization that has provided specialized travel for seniors, people with disabilities, and other rural residents since 2001. The association currently manages a fleet of 14 vehicles, including four that are specifically equipped to carry passengers who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices. This organization is responsible for the Ride the LT program, which expanded to Mississippi Mills in August 2024. That program currently provides weekly shuttle trips to Almonte or Carleton Place for a $2 fare.
According to the province, this funding can be used for a variety of projects, such as increasing the number of available routes, extending service hours, purchasing additional vehicles, or making upgrades to improve overall accessibility. The investment is intended to help grow ridership and address the unique transportation challenges faced by people living in rural areas.
As the region looks toward the future of its transit network, Lanark County and the Town of Smiths Falls recently conducted a Rural Transit Feasibility Study. This study explored potential ways to further develop and offer new public transit options throughout the region. The provincial funding follows similar investments made in other nearby municipalities, including $3,218,066 for Kingston and $33,061,834 for Ottawa.
The funding announcement was made by John Jordan, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, as part of the provincial Gas Tax program.
