Middlesex County Secures $3.4 Million in Provincial Funding to Lead Inter-Community Transit

Posted Date
December 22, 2025
Image of Inter-Community Transit bus with media release headline and county logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Middlesex County Secures $3.4 Million in Provincial Funding to Lead Inter-Community Transit

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, December 22, 2025 - Middlesex County is pleased to announce that it has received provincial approval for up to $3.4 million in funding through the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) to support the continued operation and optimization of Middlesex County Connect inter-community transit services through March 2030.

The Ontario government is investing nearly $15 million through OTIF to support safe, reliable transit services in rural communities. This funding helps connect residents to employment, education, health care, social programs, and other essential services, while supporting local economic development.

Reliable inter-community transit plays a critical role in supporting economic growth and labour mobility across the region. Middlesex County Connect improves access to employment areas, industrial and commercial centres, and post-secondary institutions, helping employers attract and retain workers while expanding educational opportunities for students. Enhanced regional connectivity also supports local investment, tourism, and broader economic competitiveness across Middlesex County and neighbouring communities.

As a provincial partner through OTIF, Middlesex County will serve as the regional lead for inter-community transit through Middlesex County Connect, coordinating operations, managing funding, and overseeing service planning in consultation with partners. This regional leadership is supported by the collaborative framework developed as part of the OTIF application, which engaged representatives from 27 organizations, including local and neighbouring municipalities, economic development offices, and transit agencies.

OTIF will cover 50% of eligible Middlesex County Connect costs, with the remaining 50% funded through municipal contributions and fare/advertising revenue. Middlesex County and current municipal partners, including the City of London, City of Sarnia, and City of St. Thomas, have committed to providing funding to date.

The funding will support four transit routes, including the planned integration of Strathroy-Caradoc’s Route 4 into Middlesex County Connect service network:

  • Route 1: Lucan, Ilderton, Arva, London
  • Route 2: Woodstock, Ingersoll, Putnam, Dorchester, London
  • Route 3: Dorchester, London, St. Thomas, Southwold
  • Route 4: London, Komoka, Mt. Brydges, Strathroy, Sarnia

As part of service optimization, Middlesex County will review the service network to ensure it is efficient, equitable, and sustainable. Adjustments will be made to align service levels and future routes with regional needs and municipal contributions, ensuring that resources are used effectively while maintaining broad regional connectivity.

Middlesex County looks forward to continued collaboration with municipal partners, Indigenous communities, post-secondary institutions, employers, and public and private sector organizations to further optimize and enhance Middlesex County Connect. Through shared planning, data-driven service adjustments, and ongoing engagement, the County will continue to strengthen regional transit solutions that respond to evolving community and economic needs.

This provincial funding secures the long-term stability and growth of Middlesex County Connect, enhancing mobility and regional transit connections for residents across Middlesex County and neighbouring communities.

For information on Middlesex County Connect, please visit middlesex.ca/ct

Note: The information provided in this media release is accurate as of the date of issuance and is subject to change as Middlesex County inter-community transit services continue to evolve. The views expressed are those of Middlesex County and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Province.

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Middlesex County is an innovative, well-run organization offering high-value programs and services to the best community in which to live, visit, and do business in Southwestern Ontario. The County serves a vibrant, growing community of 81,700 people and offers a great place to call home, offering exceptional lifestyle, a wide variety of local attractions, and a wonderful sense of community.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Middlesex County Media Relations 
Legislative Services Division
@email