​Public urged to participate in survey into future of rural transportation

The Counties of Bruce, Dufferin, Grey, and Wellington, together with Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit (SMART), are inviting residents to share their transportation needs and priorities as part of a joint regional transit study.

This new study is exploring how to better connect and move residents across all four counties. It will assess if a unified transit network is possible, with the goal of making travel easier for passengers, identifying efficiencies through collaboration, and expanding transit service to areas that currently have limited transportation options.

A public survey, open until Jan. 25, 2026, asks residents about how they currently travel, what matters most when it comes to transit service, and their thoughts on existing transportation options across the region.

Transit needs are growing across rural communities in the region. Population growth, aging demographics, and rising costs are increasing demand for transportation options in Bruce, Dufferin, Grey and Wellington counties. This study will help identify what residents need, assess what transportation options are feasible, and estimate what resources are needed to operate an effective system.

Dillon Consulting Limited has been engaged to design and assess the feasibility of a unified regional transit network. The study will identify routes and service levels suitable for the region, passenger fare strategy and cost structure, and integration opportunities with existing transit services. A study presentation will go to county councils for consideration in mid-2026.

Community engagement is a key component of the planning phase. In addition to the on-line survey, three public open houses are scheduled for January, 2026. Two sessions are in-person, and one session will be available virtually. A link to the transit study web page is available at www.brucecounty.on.ca/departments/highways where details on dates, times, and locations will be available in the coming weeks. Project staff will also attend community events throughout January to answer questions and gather feedback.

The survey is available on-line at www.surveymonkey.com/r/BDGWtransitsurvey and takes approximately five to 10 minutes to complete. Responses remain confidential and their only use is to inform the study.

Paper copies of the survey are available at the four county administration buildings and some public libraries:
 

• Bruce County: 30 Park Street, Walkerton
  • Bruce County Public Libraries: library.brucecounty.on.ca
• Dufferin County: 55 Zina Street, Orangeville
• Grey County: 595 - 9th Avenue East, Owen Sound
• Wellington County: 74 Woolwich Street, Guelph

For more information about the study, visit grey.ca/regional-transit.

A grant of $50,000 from the federal Rural Transit Solutions Fund, has been received for this study.