Residents in Grey, Bruce, Dufferin, and Wellington counties were recently invited to provide feedback on a proposed plan to create a unified regional transit network. The survey, which was part of the regional transit study, asked residents to share their priorities on how to better connect communities that currently face limited or disconnected transit options.
As rural transit needs grow due to a rising population and an aging demographic, the four counties are looking at several potential improvements. These include establishing bus routes that run three to four times daily between communities, expanding on-demand services through Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit (SMART) for areas that do not currently have coverage, and improving connections to GO Transit and local bus systems. The plan also considers forming partnerships with taxi and ridesharing services to help residents get around without relying on a personal vehicle.
The regional study is supported by significant government investment. The province is providing up to $9.5 million through the Ontario Transit Investment Fund, which covers half of eligible project costs. Additionally, the federal government has contributed over $1.4 million through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund to help SMART purchase new accessible vehicles and modern booking software.
For Grey County, which is acting as the lead coordinator for the study, staff have recommended an estimated $145,000 to be allocated in the 2026 budget to support the project. Wellington County also joined the initiative in 2025 with a specific focus on integrating services along the Highway 6 and Highway 9 corridors.
The feedback gathered is helping to shape the final recommendations, which are expected to be presented to county councils in May 2026. If approved, the unified network is planned for implementation between 2026 and 2030.
