How much funding can be received?

The Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) provides time-limited, application-based funding, with a maximum of 50% of total multi-year project costs, to support the start-up and growth of transit services in areas where there is a clearly identified service gap. The program aims to create sustainable transit services through partnerships and integration, focusing on projects that fill transit service gaps, such as new services, expansion of existing services, and first-mile/last-mile connectivity.

grant_single_labels|projects

The grant is aimed at addressing transit service gaps across Ontario by supporting the development of new services, expanding existing services, and integrating current services. It focuses on projects that establish connectivity where it currently falls short, ensuring accessibility and seamless transit solutions.

New service to close a demonstrable transit gap.
Expansion of existing transit service to reach unserved communities.
Addressing a first mile/last mile gap to connect communities.
Projects that integrate existing transit services through new governance structures.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.

The applicant must be a municipality, a non-profit organization (including Indigenous not-for-profit organizations), or an Indigenous community.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) is designed to fund projects that aim to address transit service gaps across Ontario. Eligible projects are evaluated based on several criteria to ensure they align with program principles and address identified needs effectively.

How well the project fills identified transit gaps.
Evidence of community need/demand for service.
Alignment with OTIF principles: integrated, coordinated, and sustainable.
Alignment with provincial priorities.
Project readiness.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) is designed to support the development of sustainable transit services, and thus places emphasis on collaborating with municipalities, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities. Other types of companies or industries that do not fall under these categories or do not meet the specified requirements are not eligible.

Private sector companies that are not transportation providers engaged in transit services.
For-profit businesses without collaboration with eligible non-profit or municipal partners.
Organizations duplicating existing transit services without addressing a transit service gap.
Entities not aligned with the sustainability and integration objectives of OTIF.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to and necessary for the successful execution and operation of the OTIF project.

Administration Costs, including salaries and benefits.
Consulting Services/Professional Services.
Driver Training/Wages/Benefits.
Marketing expenses.
Transportation Services, including contracted transportation services.
Vehicle Purchase or Lease (e.g., buses, vans, e-scooters, e-bikes, etc.).
Capital expenditures for improvements to public transportation security and passenger safety (e.g., bus shelters, accessibility modifications, wayfinding).
Any other costs subject to Ministry approval.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is open to applicants within Ontario. The focus is on the investment fund aimed at improving transit services across the province.

Municipalities and communities across Ontario.
Indigenous communities within the province.
Regions aligned with Ontario's Regional Transportation Plans: Greater Golden Horseshoe, Northern Ontario, Eastern Ontario, and Southwestern Ontario.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) are informed by how well the proposed projects achieve specific objectives set out by the Ministry of Transportation, with consideration for community need, alignment with OTIF principles, and readiness for implementation.

How well the project fills identified transit gaps.
Evidence of community need/demand for the service.
Alignment with OTIF principles: integrated, coordinated, and sustainable transit services.
Alignment with provincial transportation priorities.
Project readiness and ability to implement the proposed transit solution.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Access Program Guide
Review the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) guide available on Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) to understand eligibility, funding, and application details.
Make sure you have the latest version of the guide.
Step 2: Register on TPON
Create a My Ontario Account with TPON to access the application platform.
Ensure your organization’s profile and contact information are up to date.
Step 3: Prepare Application Documents
Gather required documents specific to your applicant type (e.g., Council Resolution, financial statements).
Prepare additional materials such as a Map of Proposed Service Area and Planning Materials.
Draft a comprehensive collaboration framework detailing roles and responsibilities of Project Team members.
Step 4: Complete Application Form
Fill out detailed sections of the application including Needs Analysis, Partnerships and Integration, Budget and Funding, Sustainability, and Risks and Mitigation Tactics.
Submit the completed application form through the TPON system.
Step 5: Submit Application
Upload all required documents and forms to TPON.
Review your application for completeness and accuracy before final submission.
Step 6: Confirmation and Follow-Up
Receive a confirmation of submission from TPON.
Keep track of any requests for further information or clarification from the Ministry.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The Ministry's funding contribution is limited to a maximum of five years with a decreasing contribution each year to encourage sustainability.
The lead applicant will be responsible for the treatment and spending of the funding, ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions set out in the Guide and Transfer Payment Agreement.
There is an emphasis on strong partnerships and coordination across municipal and community boundaries.
Applications must include a collaboration framework outlining roles and responsibilities for all project team members.
There are specific Canadian content requirements for transit vehicle procurement, requiring at least 25 per cent Canadian content.
Fares must be charged, but projects can charge reduced or waived fares to support community affordability needs.
Funding from other provincial programs may be used, but recipients must qualify for each independently.
Projects must not duplicate existing services to qualify for funding.
Successful applicants must enter a contractual agreement with the Ministry and submit several mandatory documents depending on the applicant type.

grant_single_labels|contact

MTO-SIO@ontario.ca

Apply to this program

Enhancing Ontario's Public Transit Infrastructure

The Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) delivers targeted funding to municipalities, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities to bridge transit service gaps in Ontario. By fostering sustainable transit solutions, OTIF aims to strengthen community connectivity and improve accessibility across the province.

Detailed Insight Into the Ontario Transit Investment Fund

The Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) is a strategic initiative by Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation, developed to address and mitigate transit service deficiencies across the province. This program is integral in supporting the development and sustainability of local transit systems, particularly in areas where current offerings fall short of community needs. By promoting the creation of and expansion upon existing transit services, OTIF provides financial assistance for a maximum of five years, covering up to 50% of the total project cost initially, with a reduced contribution in the final year to encourage self-sufficiency.

Eligible applicants include municipalities, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities. These groups are encouraged to form robust Project Teams, incorporating relevant stakeholders such as local transit services, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and private transportation providers. Together, they can create a comprehensive plan to fill identified transit gaps, whether it's introducing new services, expanding existing ones, or addressing first mile/last mile challenges.

OTIF-funded projects must meet rigorous criteria, emphasizing sustainability, coordination, and integration. They should align with regional Transportation Plans and demonstrate clear benefits to underserved areas. This includes making public transit fully accessible as mandated by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and related regulations.

The fund supports both operating and capital expenditures crucial for project execution, such as vehicle acquisition, driver wages, and marketing initiatives. However, applicants must carefully plan to ensure compliance with fund criteria and to exclude non-eligible costs like deficit reduction or food and beverage expenses.

Applicants are encouraged to combine OTIF funding with other financing opportunities from government grants, although independence and qualification for each program must be maintained. The goal is not only to improve the immediate transit landscape but to set the foundation for long-term sustainability, leveraging comprehensive community involvement.

OTIF emphasizes coordination among various partners and across regional boundaries, ensuring transit solutions are cohesive and efficiently meet the public's needs. By subsidizing the startup phase and facilitating a gradual transition to operational sustainability, the fund empowers communities to enhance their transit systems robustly and independently over time.

Moreover, stringent reporting and accountability are integral to the OTIF program, ensuring that funds are utilized effectively and projects adhere to approved objectives. This ensures taxpayers' contributions are maximized in their impact, fostering a more connected and accessible Ontario.