Open Call for Ontario Transit Investment Fund (Canada)

Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

The Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) supports the development of safe, reliable, and sustainable local and intercommunity transit services in unserved and underserved areas across Ontario. The programme is designed to address transportation gaps, particularly in rural communities, by helping communities establish and expand transit services through collaboration, integration, and long-term sustainability planning.

OTIF provides application-based funding for up to five years, enabling eligible organizations to develop transit systems that improve mobility, strengthen regional connectivity, and increase access to essential services.

About the Ontario Transit Investment Fund

The Ontario Transit Investment Fund is a provincial initiative that helps communities create or expand transit services where significant transportation gaps exist.

The programme supports projects that:

• Improve local and regional transportation access
• Connect underserved communities
• Strengthen transit partnerships
• Enhance mobility for residents
• Improve access to employment, education, healthcare, and community services
• Build sustainable transit systems that can operate independently over time

The fund places a strong emphasis on collaboration and integration between transit providers, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and other local stakeholders.

Programme Objectives

The fund aims to:

• Address transit service gaps across Ontario
• Improve transportation access in rural and underserved communities
• Develop sustainable local and intercommunity transit services
• Support integrated transit planning
• Encourage cross-boundary transit collaboration
• Improve first mile and last mile transportation connections
• Expand transit services into communities without adequate transportation options
• Strengthen regional connectivity
• Promote long-term transit sustainability

Projects should demonstrate how they will improve mobility and address identified transportation challenges.

Priority Areas

Integrated Transit Networks

The programme encourages the creation of coordinated transit networks that connect multiple communities and service areas.

Priority is given to projects that:

• Link existing transit systems
• Improve regional transportation connections
• Facilitate cross-boundary travel
• Strengthen coordination between service providers
• Improve passenger access to transportation services

Integrated networks help maximize resources and improve service efficiency.

Intercommunity Transportation

Projects that improve travel between communities are encouraged.

Examples include:

• New intercommunity transit routes
• Regional transportation services
• Connections between rural and urban areas
• Shared transportation solutions
• Community transportation partnerships

These projects help residents access employment, healthcare, education, and other essential services.

First Mile and Last Mile Connectivity

The programme supports initiatives that address transportation barriers at the beginning and end of journeys.

Examples include:

• Community shuttle services
• Local feeder routes
• Transportation links to major transit hubs
• Mobility services connecting residents to transit networks
• Rural access transportation solutions

Improved first mile and last mile connections can significantly increase transit accessibility.

Transit Service Expansion

Funding may support the extension of existing transit services into areas that currently lack adequate transportation options.

Projects may include:

• Route extensions
• Service area expansion
• Increased service coverage
• New transportation links
• Improved access for underserved populations

Projects should clearly demonstrate unmet transportation needs.

Transit Coordination and Governance

The programme supports collaborative approaches to transit planning and service delivery.

Activities may include:

• Shared governance structures
• Coordinated service planning
• Resource sharing
• Joint operations management
• Collaborative transportation strategies

Strong governance arrangements help improve long-term sustainability.

Funding Available

OTIF provides:

• Application-based funding
• Support for up to five years
• Start-up and growth funding for eligible transit projects

The programme uses a gradual cost-sharing approach to help communities build transit services that become financially sustainable over time.

What Funding Supports

Funding may be used for:

• New transit services
• Expansion of existing routes
• Intercommunity transportation initiatives
• First mile and last mile connectivity projects
• Transit coordination activities
• Service integration efforts
• Planning and implementation activities
• Sustainable transit development initiatives

Projects should directly contribute to improved transportation access.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must act as project leads and coordinate project delivery.

Eligible applicants include:

• Municipalities
• Non-profit organizations
• Indigenous not-for-profit organizations
• Indigenous communities

Applicants are expected to lead project planning, implementation, and partnership development.

Project Team Requirements

Applicants must establish a project team that supports coordination and collaboration.

Project teams are encouraged to include:

• Municipalities
• First Nation communities
• Transit service providers
• Government transit agencies
• Healthcare institutions
• Educational organizations
• Employers
• Developers
• Community organizations
• Other relevant stakeholders

Partnerships play a central role in project success and sustainability.

Roles of Project Partners

Each participating organization should have a clearly defined role.

Possible responsibilities include:

• Project planning
• Service delivery
• Funding contributions
• Operational support
• Governance participation
• Community outreach
• Stakeholder engagement
• Resource sharing

Strong partnerships help ensure effective project implementation.

Eligible Projects

Projects must address a demonstrated transportation need and provide clear public benefit.

Eligible activities may include:

• Introducing new transit routes
• Expanding existing services into underserved communities
• Improving first mile and last mile transportation access
• Integrating existing transit systems
• Strengthening regional transportation coordination
• Developing sustainable transportation solutions

Projects should demonstrate how they will improve mobility and connectivity.

Ineligible Projects

Projects may be considered ineligible if they:

• Duplicate existing transportation services
• Fail to demonstrate a transit service gap
• Do not align with programme objectives
• Lack sufficient collaboration or coordination mechanisms

Applicants should clearly explain how their project fills an unmet transportation need.

Demonstrating Transit Service Gaps

Applications should provide evidence that a transportation gap exists.

Supporting evidence may include:

• Community transportation studies
• Ridership assessments
• Local needs assessments
• Stakeholder consultations
• Demographic information
• Access-to-services analysis
• Regional transportation planning documents

Strong evidence helps demonstrate project necessity and impact.

Why This Fund Matters

Many communities across Ontario face transportation challenges that limit access to employment, healthcare, education, and essential services. Rural and underserved areas are often disproportionately affected by limited transit options.

The Ontario Transit Investment Fund helps:

• Improve mobility for residents
• Expand transportation access
• Strengthen regional connections
• Support economic participation
• Improve access to healthcare and education
• Reduce transportation barriers
• Encourage sustainable transit development
• Foster collaboration between communities and service providers

By investing in long-term transit solutions, the programme contributes to stronger, more connected, and more resilient communities across Ontario.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can apply for OTIF funding?
  Municipalities, non-profit organizations, Indigenous not-for-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities are eligible to apply.
• How long can funding be provided?
  Funding may be available for up to five years.
• What is the main purpose of the programme?
  The programme supports the development and expansion of sustainable transit services in unserved and underserved areas across Ontario.
• Can funding support new transit routes?
  Yes. Funding may be used to introduce new transit services where a demonstrated service gap exists.
• What are first mile and last mile projects?
  These projects improve transportation connections between residents and major transit services, helping people complete their journeys more easily.
• Are partnerships required?
  Yes. Applicants must establish project teams that encourage collaboration, integration, and resource sharing among relevant stakeholders.
• Can projects duplicate existing transit services?
  No. Eligible projects must address a demonstrated transit gap and should not duplicate existing transportation services.

Conclusion

The Ontario Transit Investment Fund supports communities in developing sustainable transportation solutions that improve access, connectivity, and mobility across Ontario. By providing up to five years of funding for collaborative transit initiatives, the programme helps municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations address service gaps, strengthen regional transportation networks, and create long-term transit systems that better serve residents in rural and underserved areas.

For more information, visit Ontario.