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The Government of Ontario is investing $5 million annually to help smaller communities across the province build safe and reliable transit services. The funding is being delivered through the new Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF).
“No matter where you live, Ontarians deserve reliable public transportation to access employment, visit friends and family and maintain healthy, independent lifestyles,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “The Ontario Transit Investment Fund is another targeted step our government is taking to make life easier for people living in the north, rural areas, or other communities with limited transportation options.”
The OTIF will help municipalities, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations deliver transit services in unserved and underserved parts of the province, particularly in rural communities. It will support local and inter-community transit projects like bus service, on-demand shared rides and door-to-door transportation.
“The Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) is a significant step toward improving connectivity for residents in rural and underserved areas,” said Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan. “In northwestern Ontario, where many communities lack access to public transportation, this program will create new opportunities for people to access services, visit family, and stay connected with larger urban centres.”
Applications for OTIF will be accepted on an ongoing basis, with programs expected to begin in 2025.
“As we advance our commitment of connecting northern and First Nation communities, our government recognizes that reliable transportation requires innovative solutions. Bridging the gaps in rural and remote regions of Ontario is not one-size-fits all and the Ontario Transit Investment Fund marks an important opportunity for municipalities and service providers in the north,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. |
