The counties of Bruce, Dufferin, Grey, and Wellington, together with Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit (SMART), are expanding interim bus service across the region while work continues on a longer-term joint Regional Transit Study. 

County Councils and the SMART Board have been updated on the progress of the regional study and work continues with Dillon Consulting on a draft unified regional transit plan. Dillon Consulting is expected to return to Councils this fall to present the full draft plan for information, with a final decision going to councils and the SMART Board in 2027. 

To make sure riders aren’t left without service while the study continues, interim bus routes across the region are being maintained or expanded: 

• The Grey Transit Route (GTR) 2 connecting Dundalk and Orangeville and Guelph Owen Sound Transit (GOST) will continue to operate. 

• GTR Route 5, connecting Owen Sound and Wiarton, is being reintroduced in Fall 2026. 

• A seasonal extension of Route 5 to Sauble Beach will be considered for Summer 2027 to help cover peak tourism season, pending funding approval. 

Continuing these services protects existing ridership and gives residents continued access to transit while long-term options are investigated. These services are funded within each county’s approved 2026 budget and supported by the Ontario Transit Investment Fund. 

About the Bruce – Dufferin – Grey – Wellington Regional Transit Study 

The Bruce – Dufferin – Grey – Wellington Regional Transit Study is a collaborative initiative between Bruce, Dufferin, Grey and Wellington Counties together with Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit to create a unified regional transit network.  

Transit needs are growing across rural communities in the region due to population growth, an aging population, and rising costs of living. Currently, transit options across the four counties are limited and disconnected. Some communities have no public transit service, and traveling between counties without a personal vehicle is challenging.  

The Study will design and assess the feasibility of a unified regional transit network that creates a seamless passenger experience, identifies efficiencies through collaboration and provides service to areas of each county that currently have limited transportation options. 

To learn more, please visit the project page. 

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For media inquiries, contact: 

Grey County
Rob Hatten
Communications Manager
rob.hatten@grey.ca
519-373-1592

Bruce County
Leyla Top
Corporate Communications Coordinator
ltop@brucecounty.on.ca
226-930-0473

Dufferin County
Megan Ball
Communications Manager
mball@dufferincounty.ca
519-491-2816 ext. 2513 

Wellington County
Christina Mann
Manager of Economic Development
christinam@wellington.ca
519-837-5600 ext. 2615