Ontario allocates $16M to expand transit in 30 rural and remote communities

Ontario is investing nearly $16 million through the Ontario Transit Investment Fund to help small and remote communities build transit services, with funding for five projects benefiting 30 communities across the province.

The investment supports new and expanded transit options—bus services, on-demand rideshare, and door-to-door transportation—delivered by municipalities, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations. This year's allocation includes $3.4 million for the Region of Waterloo to introduce or expand transit in Woolwich, Wellesley, Wilmot and North Dumfries.

The funding increase marks a significant shift in provincial priorities. When the Ontario Transit Investment Fund launched in 2024, it carried $5 million in annual funding. The province has now increased that to $10 million annually over the next three years—a doubling of annual commitment.

Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria framed the move as essential to connecting rural Ontarians to jobs and services. "No matter where you live, Ontarians deserve access to transportation they can depend on," he said. The program is part of a broader provincial strategy that includes plans to restore the Northlander passenger rail service to northeastern Ontario.

Municipalities, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations can apply for OTIF funding through an online process. Applicants are encouraged to form project teams to deliver coordinated, integrated and sustainable transit services.