Over 243,000 passengers used ONTC bus services in 2016/17 and the province is expanding services in the north.

Officials announced the ONTC will increase bus service in the northeast and work with private carriers to introduce service to communities in the northwest.

Hearst and Hornepayne are a couple communities benefiting.

Return service will be offered five days a week between all communities serviced by the ONTC or private carriers.

Ridership will be monitored regularly to ensure customer demand is met and service is expanded as needed.

Also announced was the launch of a new Community Transportation Grant Program.

It will help municipalities, Indigenous communities and others provide service to areas not served or underserved by public transit and intercommunity bus.

Up to $30 million over five years is available to municipalities, who can apply for grants starting today.

 

(Photo courtesy ONTC.on.ca)