How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF)?

Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) is funded by Government of Ontario

What are Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF)'s eligibility criterias?

Municipalities are eligible to apply. Non-profit organizations, including Indigenous not-for-profit organizations, are eligible to apply. Indigenous communities are eligible to apply.

Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF)

Last Update: July 22, 2025

ON, Canada

Supports the creation and expansion of sustainable transit services

Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) at a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : January 1, 2024
Closing date : December 31, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Transportation and warehousing

Grant Providers

Government of Ontario

Program status

Closed

Overview of the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) program

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.

Financing terms and conditions

Funding is limited to a maximum of five years per project.
OTIF will provide up to 50% of total multi-year project costs.
The OTIF contribution in the final year is capped at 30% of final year costs to support gradual transition to sustainability.

Eligible projects & activities

Launching new transit services to address identified service gaps in Ontario communities.
Expanding existing transit services to reach communities currently without access.
Integrating and coordinating multiple transit services across municipal and community boundaries for better connectivity.
Developing first mile/last mile solutions to facilitate seamless connections between transit networks and users’ points of origin or destination.
Implementing governance or partnership frameworks that integrate existing transit services.

Eligibility criteria of the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) program

The applicant must be a municipality, a non-profit organization (including Indigenous not-for-profit organizations), or an Indigenous community.
The project must fill a clearly identified transit service gap and not duplicate existing services.
The applicant must act as the lead and form a Project Team, ensuring coordination and integration with relevant partners and stakeholders within the proposed service area.
The project must involve fully accessible public transportation services and vehicles in compliance with relevant accessibility legislation.

Who is eligible?

Municipalities
Non-profit organizations (including Indigenous not-for-profit organizations)
Indigenous communities

Who is not eligible

For-profit private companies that are not non-profit organizations or Indigenous not-for-profits.
Organizations that are not municipalities, non-profit organizations (including Indigenous not-for-profits), or Indigenous communities.

Eligible expenses

Administration costs, including salaries and benefits directly related to the project.
Consulting and professional services necessary for the project.
Driver training, wages, and benefits.
Marketing and promotional expenses related to the transit service.
Contracted transportation services (e.g., hiring third-party operators).
Purchase or lease of vehicles, such as buses, vans, e-scooters, or e-bikes (subject to municipal bylaw compliance where relevant).
Capital expenditures for public transportation security and passenger safety (e.g., bus shelters, accessibility modifications, wayfinding solutions).
Other costs directly necessary for execution and operation of the project, subject to Ministry approval.

Eligible geographic areas

Ontario

Eligibility criteria of the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) program

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

How to apply to the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) program

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.

Create a My Ontario Account with TPON to access the application platform.
Ensure your organization’s profile and contact information are up to date.

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.

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.

Submit Application

Upload all required documents and forms to TPON.
Review your application for completeness and accuracy before final submission.

Confirmation and Follow-Up

Receive a confirmation of submission from TPON.
Keep track of any requests for further information or clarification from the Ministry.

Additional information

All public transportation services funded must comply with Ontario accessibility legislation.
Fares are mandatory, but may be reduced or waived for specific populations to enhance equity.
Canadian content requirements apply to transit vehicle procurement, with certain exemptions outlined in the program guide.
Significant changes to service, such as route adjustments, must be reviewed and approved by the Ministry.