Increased financial support from the province will help create more access to public transit in small, rural communities across Ontario.
As part of the recent provincial budget, the government is increasing its support for the Ontario Transit Investment Fund from $5 million to $10 million annually over the next three years. Officials say this will help rural and underserved communities build safe and reliable transit services, protecting Ontario’s economy and connecting more people to jobs and opportunity across the province.
“I’ve seen firsthand how investments through the Ontario Transit Investment Fund are making a meaningful difference for people in our rural communities,” said Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton–Kent–Middlesex in a news release. “Expanding access to reliable transportation helps residents get to work, attend appointments, and stay connected to the services they depend on.”
The O-T-I-F supports the start-up and expansion of transit projects like new bus services, on-demand rideshare services and door-to-door transportation. The program is helping municipalities, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations deliver reliable transportation services.
Eligible applicants can apply for time-limited funding of up to five years to support projects that address transportation gaps in unserved or underserved communities.
