Government funds development of transit options that cater to all users and can be utilized at any time in Grey and Bruce counties, Canada.
Government of Canada Invests CAD 1.4 Million in Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit (SMART)
The Government of Canada is investing CAD 1,437,224 (approximately USD 1,039,537) in Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit (SMART) to enhance transit accessibility and efficiency in Bruce and Grey counties, Ontario. This funding, provided through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund, will help renew about 70% of SMART's aging fleet and improve the overall user experience for its passengers [1][3].
Based in the region, SMART is a non-profit organization that primarily provides transportation for residents with disabilities. The investment will fund the purchase of four accessible vans, eight accessible cars, and booking software for SMART's on-demand transit service [1][3]. In addition, SMART, in partnership with Home and Community Support Services of Grey and Bruce, will use part of the funding to conduct a feasibility study aimed at exploring more efficient transit software systems to support better service delivery [1][3].
The federal investment will also implement a new client notification system in SMART, which is expected to significantly improve safety, reliability, and the overall user experience for passengers [1][3]. Minister Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development, Canada, highlighted that the investment is about more than transportation; it aims to enhance accessibility, opportunity, and connectivity, supporting the growing transit demands of the region for years to come [1][3].
Stephan Labelle, SMART's General Manager, described the investment as transformative for their operations, significantly improving service quality for people relying on SMART daily [1][3]. The funding awarded to SMART is intended to improve transit accessibility and efficiency, and the feasibility study is aimed at supporting better service delivery by SMART [1].
SMART is contributing CAD 346,307 (approximately USD 250,482) to these projects [1]. The investments are being made through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund, which aims to address the unique transportation challenges faced by rural and remote communities [2].
References: [1] Saugeen Shores Post. (2023, March 21). Government of Canada invests $1.4 million in Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit (SMART). Retrieved from https://www.saugeenshorespost.com/local-news/government-of-canada-invests-1-4-million-in-saugeen-mobility-and-regional-transit-smart-1.26789497 [2] Government of Canada. (2022, October 17). Rural and remote communities to benefit from $50 million for public transit projects. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2022/10/rural-and-remote-communities-to-benefit-from-50-million-for-public-transit-projects.html [3] Government of Canada. (2023, March 21). News Release - Government of Canada invests in Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit (SMART). Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2023/03/news-release-government-of-canada-invests-in-saugeen-mobility-and-regional-transit-smart.html
The Government of Canada's investment in Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit (SMART) will not only renew a significant portion of their fleet but also support the purchase of accessible vehicles, aiming to enhance infrastructure within the transportation industry for passengers with disabilities. This funding collaboration between SMART and Home and Community Support Services of Grey and Bruce will also explore more efficient finance-related transit software systems, aiming to improve service delivery.
