Province protecting jobs and driving economic growth in Elgin-Middlesex-London and Oxford Counties
Elgin-Middlesex-London — As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is investing nearly $15 million to help support safe, reliable transit services in rural communities, including almost $2 Million in Elgin-Middlesex-London. The funding is being delivered through the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) and will help drive economic growth and connect more people to jobs and housing.
“Reliable transit is essential for connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare, and each other”, said MPP Rob Flack. “By supporting these intercommunity routes and future transit planning, our government is ensuring that rural residents have the same access and opportunity as those in larger urban centres. This is about building stronger, more connected communities right here at home.”
Overall, Middlesex and surrounding counties will receive $3,408,511 in OTIF funding which will support new and existing services as determined by an upcoming transit study, and ongoing service on four intercommunity transit routes:
- Route 1 from Lucan Biddulph to London
- Route 2 from Woodstock to London
- Route 3 from Dorchester to Southwold and
- Route 4 from Sarnia to London.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is ensuring all Ontarians, including those in rural communities, have access to reliable transportation to get them where they need to go, when they need to get there,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “As part of our plan to protect Ontario, we’re investing in local transit services that connect people with good-paying jobs, housing and other opportunities, while boosting our economy at a time when it matters most.”
OTIF helps municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations start up or expand transit services in unserved or underserved parts of the province, particularly in rural communities. The budget for OTIF is $5 million a year starting in 2025-26. Successful applicants receive funding of up to 50 per cent of project costs for up to five years for projects that encourage integrated, coordinated and sustainable transit services.
“Whether it’s small businesses attracting customers and employees, students getting to school or families visiting loved ones, our government’s investment in regional transit is helping rural communities remain vibrant and healthy places to live, work and do business,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs.
“Reliable intercommunity bus services are essential for connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare, and each other—especially in rural and smaller communities”, said Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford. “Continued funding for these services ensures no one is left behind simply because they don’t have access to a car. It’s about building stronger, more inclusive communities across Ontario.”
QUICK FACTS
- OTIF funding will expand access to transit services for almost 1.5 million people.
- Connecting communities underserved by passenger transportation services is one of the actions in the province’s regional transportation plans for southwestern Ontario and eastern Ontario.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Ontario Investing in Transportation for Rural Communities | Ontario Newsroom
Planning transportation for Southwestern Ontario
Planning transportation for Eastern Ontario
Media Contact:
Emily Bradshaw
Communications Advisor
Office of Rob Flack, MPP
emily.bradshaw@pc.ola.org