The Ontario government says it is doubling funding for rural and underserved transit systems as part of its 2026 budget, a move that could benefit communities across Northumberland.
The province announced it will increase the Ontario Transit Investment Fund from 5 million dollars to 10 million dollars annually over the next three years, for a total investment of 30 million dollars. Officials say the program is designed to support new and expanded transit options in smaller communities.
The funding can be used to support services such as bus routes, on demand transit, rideshare programs, and door to door transportation.
In regions like Northumberland, where residents often rely on connections between communities, expanded funding could support services that help connect people in communities to employment, health care, and essential services.
The province says reliable transit plays a key role in supporting economic growth, particularly in rural areas where transportation gaps can limit access to jobs and services.
Municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non profit organizations can apply for funding on an ongoing basis, with support available for up to five years. The province is also encouraging partnerships between communities to build coordinated and sustainable transit systems.
Officials say the investment is part of a broader plan to strengthen Ontario’s economy and improve access to transportation across the province.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
