WELLINGTON COUNTY – Four counties have created a survey to explore the possibility of a unified regional transit network.
Bruce, Dufferin, Grey and Wellington counties, in collaboration with Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit (SMART), have released a survey to gain a better understanding of transportation needs and priorities.
The survey is part of a new regional transit study to explore how to better connect and move residents across all four counties.
“We really wanted to work together and collaborate and see what a unified network could look like to provide a seamless passenger experience,” county manager of economic development Christina Mann told the Advertiser.
The survey, which contains 17 questions, is available to all residents in the four counties until Jan. 25.
“We have people of all ages and all abilities living across Wellington County and not all have access to a vehicle,” Mann said.
“Public transit is important to get people to their appointments, to work, to school and activities. It’s a quality-of-life question.”
County economic development officer Krista Chapman stressed the need to hear from all demographics.
“We want to hear from as many different people as possible,” she said.
“No matter what your transit needs are right now, we want to hear from you.”
Mann explained the four-county collaboration “was created by our colleagues in Grey County,” with whom Wellington officials have connected through the Guelph Owen Sound Transit (GOST) bus.
Grey County also works on a regular basis with Bruce County so, “It was a natural connection,” Mann said.
The confidential survey can be accessed online at surveymonkey.com/r/BDGWtransitsurvey.
Transit study
The study will assess if a regional network is possible, identify possible routes and service levels, and look at the cost and opportunities for integration.
Dillon Consulting Limited will complete the study and results will be presented to all four county councils for consideration in mid-2026.
“We’ve been in this transit journey since 2019 and understand there is a need in our community,” Mann said.
The county launched its rural transit program, Ride Well, in October 2019. The service travels through Guelph, but doesn’t service trips starting and ending there.
The need for additional transit options is a result of population growth, aging demographics and rising costs for transportation, stated a Wellington County press release.
To date, the county has contributed $25,000 to the study “through our transit budget,” Mann said.
The project is also receiving $50,000 from the federal Rural Transit Solutions Fund.
The Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit bus provides services for medical appointments, social visits, employment and more. Image from SMART website.
Timelines
The project includes two phases (the second dependent on approval of the first):
- developing the plan, from fall 2025 to spring 2026; and
- implementation and operation, from 2026 to 2030.
If approved, the project will proceed with partial operating funding from the Ontario Transit Investment Fund over a four-year period.
Input from the public is included in phase one and feedback is to be gathered through the survey, public meetings and community events.
“There will be three open houses, two in person and one virtual, in January,” Mann said.
The first public open house is slated for Jan. 10 from 11:30am to 3:30pm at the Alder Street Arena in Orangeville.
The virtual option is on Jan. 14 from 6:30 to 8pm with online registration available soon.
The last open house is Jan. 17 from 11:30am to 2:30pm at the Mount Forest Arena.
Project staff are to attend community events throughout January to answer questions and gather feedback.
The events include:
- public skate, Jan. 4, Arthur Arena from 11:30am to 2pm (158 Domville St.);
- Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week, Jan. 7 from 10:30am to 3pm (38 Concession Rd. 10, Elmwood), and
- Orangeville Farmers’ Market, Jan. 10 from 9 to 11am (87 Broadway, Orangeville).
Paper copies of the survey are available at 74 Woolwich St. in Guelph for county residents.
Additional information can be found at grey.ca/regional-transit.
