A public bus service between Owen Sound and Guelph will continue operating for another year.
City council approved a recommendation as part of its consent agenda during Monday’s meeting to extend the contract for the operator of Guelph Owen Sound Transit — or the GOST bus — until March 31, 2026.
“This has been a great service since launching here in Owen Sound, building annually and providing rides from Owen Sound down to Guelph,” says Owen Sound Deputy Mayor Scott Greig. “I can say on the summer I was on it, and it ranged from healthcare workers riding to work, to individuals from Owen Sound going to the Elora Raceway for a day of fun.”
“And myself, connecting from Guelph was super easy. The GO Train whipped by soon after the morning arrival. VIA Rail is there,” Greig continues. “It’s extremely beneficial … it’s great to see it extended for another year.”
The GOST bus operates daily with morning and afternoon runs between Owen Sound and Guelph. It stops in several other communities along Highway 6, including Chatsworth, Williamsford, Durham, Mount Forest, Arthur, Fergus and Elora.
It is funded entirely by the Ontario Government’s Community Transportation Grant Program and fare revenue. The grant funding was due to expire at the end of this month.
A staff report to council explains former Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Rick Byers informed Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy last fall the city had remaining grant funds that could allow the GOST bus to operate for an additional year. The Ministry of Transportation also confirmed the city’s eligibility for an extension.
Owen Sound was initially approved for $1.9-million in grant funding when the Guelph Owen Sound Transit service first launched in September 2020. It has around $420,000 in remaining available grant funding to continue the service until 2026.
Last month’s provincial election prevented formal agreements for the funding extension from the province, but the report to council says “the city is anticipating receipt and execution of the amending agreement prior to (April 1).”
