Perth County is outlining its plans for a new transit project thanks to a provincial grant.
The proposed new Perth County Transit System will link local communities including a direct link from Listowel to Kitchener.
The join project may offer up to four round trips week days between the communities of Stratford, St. Marys, Mitchell, Sebringville, Monkton, Atwood, Milverton, Listowel and Millbank.
The project would also establish a Stratford/Perth Regional Transportation Service which will connect the Perth County transportation hubs of Stratford and St. Marys to intermodal services in London and Kitchener.
Detailed route planning and fares remain to be finalized, and a transit service will be selected through a competitive process.
The project is possible following a grant of $1.45-million for both the County of Perth and the City of Stratford
The funding is over five years from the Ministry of Transportation “Community Transportation Grant Program.”
Perth County, its member municipalities of North Perth, West Perth, Perth East and Perth South, along with the City of Stratford and the Town of St. Marys, worked in partnership to submit the synergistic proposals that will benefit all of Perth County’s residents as one joint project.
“Perth County is very pleased with the Ministry’s announcement,” said Perth County Warden Walter Mckenzie. “Securing this funding was truly a collaborative effort.”
“Access to transportation significantly impacts the economic development, health and overall quality of life in our communities. In Perth County, St. Marys and Stratford, reliable transportation is needed for residents to reach healthcare services, employment and educational opportunities, recreation and social services. It is also imperative for the expansion of our local businesses and the labor force,” said McKenzie. “We're looking forward to working together to launch this exciting project in the coming months."
