Did you know that on January 20th 2023 the Federal Government launched the rural transit solutions funding stream for capital transit projects? Here’s a little more about what it is:

“The Rural Transit Solutions Fund supports the development and expansion of locally driven transit solutions. These solutions are intended to help people living in rural, remote, Indigenous and Northern communities do their day-to-day activities like going to work, school, appointments, and visiting loved ones. A minimum of 10% of the total Rural Transit Solution Fund’s $250 million funding envelope will be allocated to projects that benefit Indigenous populations and communities.

For the Fund’s capital steam, eligible applicants can apply for a contribution of up to $3 million for conventional solutions (e.g., vehicle or software) or up to $5 million for zero-emissions transit solutions.

The Rural Transit Solutions Fund is part of the Government of Canada’s Permanent Public Transit Program, which allocates $14.9 billion over the next eight years for public transit projects. The Permanent Public Transit Program also provides support for major infrastructure projects, zero emissions transit, and active transportation.”

Things you may want to consider while reading this grant: 

-How can your community collaborate with other communities around you to partner or share a vehicle to make it more sustainable, cost effective to manage which then would make it more affordable for older adults who may want to use the vehicle?

-Could your community apply for funding for a different type of vehicle like a car or SUV to offer transportation services to those who don’t need the accessible services of an accessible van? You’ve already created a program once so it would be that much easier to setup a different stream of services that your community could provide and wouldn’t require the high costs related to owning, operating and hiring drivers with specific licenses.

-What are the current needs of older adults in your community and what might they need in 5 years from now?

-Are there ways to apply for funding to purchase a vehicle that would be specifically for long distance travel like a car, SUV or smaller bus which then wouldn’t take away from in community transportation.

-Is there a way to engage your local health authority to get their support and to collaborate on addressing the transportation needs for medical appointments & services?

To learn more about this grant and if you’re community is eligible to apply, please review the funding guide by clicking  here

Please note as of January 23rd the deadline for applications has not been announced.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Thank you,

Samantha Rodeck

Executive Director, TONS

info@tonsmb.org