Advancing Equitable Rural Transportation in Grey County
In 2014, Grey County, in collaboration with members of the Transportation Action Group, undertook a comprehensive Transportation Study that highlighted a pressing equity gap: despite the existence of various transportation services, restrictive eligibility criteria were systematically excluding youth and low-income residents from accessing vital mobility options. This finding underscored an urgent need for inclusive, accessible, and coordinated rural transportation.
In response, Home and Community Support Services of Grey-Bruce (HCSS) stepped forward as a lead agency, launching the Movin’GB pilot project in 2015—a bold initiative aimed at bridging the transportation divide. Recognizing the importance of this effort, the Ministry of Transportation awarded Grey County $100,000 in 2016 to design a long-term strategy for rural transportation coordination. This investment catalyzed a partnership between Grey County and HCSS to develop an integrated, community-focused transit model that prioritized equity and access.
Continued support from the province enabled this work to expand through 2017, culminating in the launch of the Grey Transit Route (GTR). With critical operational funding totaling $2.77 million provided by the Ontario Community Transportation Program, the GTR was brought to life with the on-the-ground support of Driverseat Owen Sound.
Over the course of five years, this initiative has not only moved people—it has moved policy, demonstrating that rural transit is essential infrastructure, not a luxury. It has provided Grey County with valuable insights into the unique transportation needs of rural residents and the systemic challenges in delivering equitable regional mobility.
As we look to the future, sustained investment and policy leadership are needed to ensure that rural communities are no longer left behind. Transportation is a lifeline—central to accessing education, employment, healthcare, and community life. The work started in Grey County stands as a compelling call to action: to build transportation systems that truly serve everyone.
As the initial funding period concludes, the lessons are loud and clear: when we invest in inclusive transportation, we invest in equity, in opportunity, and in community well-being. Now is the time to build on this momentum, not retreat from it. We call on all levels of government to ensure sustained and expanded funding for rural transportation. Because no one should be stranded by geography—or by policy.
Tell me about transportation … tobermory – local and linking to hubs south
Hello yellowkayak,
There is very little transportation up-and-down the Peninsula. There used to be a Bruce Penisular Bus service (2017) but it was not financially viable for the private company that ran it. MOVIN’GB of Home and Community Support Service Grey Bruce and SMART Transportation Services provide non-emergency medical transportation services with people with low income and/or with disabilities.
http://homecommunitysupport.com/movin-gb/ There has also been a bus that traveled from Toronto to the park in the summertime but I am not sure if it is running this summer.
There will be a new airport service between Wiarton Airport and Toronto Island beginning this spring 2019.
With very little public transportation across Bruce County and Grey County we continue to advocate to the Ontario government and Federal government for more rural transportation that will support people to move between communities.
Perhaps you could do a delegation to the Municipal Council of the Northern Bruce Peninsula?