Middlesex County announced that it has received provincial approval for up to $3.4 million in funding through the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) to support the continued operation and optimization of Middlesex County Connect inter-community transit services through March 2030.
The Ontario government is investing nearly $15 million through OTIF to support safe, reliable transit services in rural communities. This funding helps connect residents to employment, education, health care, social programs, and other essential services, while supporting local economic development.
Reliable inter-community transit plays a critical role in supporting economic growth and labour mobility across the region. Middlesex County Connect improves access to employment areas, industrial and commercial centres, and post-secondary institutions, helping employers attract and retain workers while expanding educational opportunities for students. Enhanced regional connectivity also supports local investment, tourism, and broader economic competitiveness across Middlesex County and neighbouring communities.
As a provincial partner through OTIF, Middlesex County will serve as the regional lead for inter-community transit through Middlesex County Connect, coordinating operations, managing funding, and overseeing service planning in consultation with partners. This regional leadership is supported by the collaborative framework developed as part of the OTIF application, which engaged representatives from 27 organizations, including local and neighbouring municipalities, economic development offices, and transit agencies.
OTIF will cover 50% of eligible Middlesex County Connect costs, with the remaining 50% funded through municipal contributions and fare/advertising revenue. Middlesex County and current municipal partners, including the City of London, City of Sarnia, and City of St. Thomas, have committed to providing funding to date.
The funding will support four transit routes, including the planned integration of Strathroy-Caradoc’s Route 4 into Middlesex County Connect service network:
Route 1: Lucan, Ilderton, Arva, London
Route 2: Woodstock, Ingersoll, Putnam, Dorchester, London
Route 3: Dorchester, London, St. Thomas, Southwold
Route 4: London, Komoka, Mt. Brydges, Strathroy, Sarnia
As part of service optimization, Middlesex County will review the service network to ensure it is efficient, equitable, and sustainable. Adjustments will be made to align service levels and future routes with regional needs and municipal contributions, ensuring that resources are used effectively while maintaining broad regional connectivity.
This provincial funding secures the long-term stability and growth of Middlesex County Connect, enhancing mobility and regional transit connections for residents across Middlesex County and neighbouring communities.
For information on Middlesex County Connect, please visit middlesex.ca/ct