GOST Transit Bus Picture. (image supplied by City of Owen Sound)
Grey County council will consider interim transit measures as it continues to wait for the Bruce-Dufferin-Grey-Wellington Regional Transit Study.
Last year, the Ontario government committed $9.5-million in funding for a potential regional transit network connecting Bruce, Grey and Dufferin counties. The Regional Transit Study is the first step.
A Grey County staff report recommends the Grey Transit Route (GTR) 2 from Dundalk to Orangeville and Guelph Owen Sound Transit (GOST) be extended past Aug. 31.
It also recommends reintroducing GTR Route 5 from Owen Sound to Wiarton, with seasonal service to Sauble Beach starting in July 2026, until a decision can be made on a unified regional transit network.
As the study continues, the staff report says the interim phase will allow for the consideration of long-term solutions.
The Bruce-Dufferin-Grey-Wellington and Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit (SMART) project team has continued to work alongside Dillon Consulting toward a draft unified regional transit plan.
Staff say, with more time, the project team and Dillon Consulting would return to council this fall to present the draft plan and recommendations for information.
The Bruce-Dufferin-Grey-Wellington Regional Transit Study is the largest of its kind in the province, which has added to its overall complexity.