Closed
Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF)
Funding for sustainable transit service expansion
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2024
- Closing date : December 31, 2024
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides up to five years of funding to help start and grow transit services that address service gaps across Ontario. It supports new service, service expansion, first mile/last mile connections, and transit integration projects.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2024
- Closing date : December 31, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Transportation and warehousing
- Public administration
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Hospitals and Rehabilitation
- Social Services
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- General public
- Seniors
- Indigenous peoples
- People with disabilities
- Rural / Remote communities
- Low-income individuals / families
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Launching new transit services to close service gaps
- Expanding existing transit service to unserved communities
- Creating first mile/last mile connections
- Integrating existing transit services and governance structures
Documents Needed
- Council resolution or enabling by-law, for municipalities
- Certificate of insurance
- Financial statements, for non-profit applicants
- Letters patent or incorporation papers, for non-profits
- Collaboration framework and proposed service area map
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Municipalities
- Non-profit organizations
- Indigenous communities
- Indigenous not-for-profit organizations
Eligible expenses
- Administration costs, including salaries and benefits
- Consulting and professional services
- Driver training, wages, and benefits
- Marketing and transportation services
- Vehicle purchase or lease, shelters, accessibility upgrades, and wayfinding
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Cash prizes or direct subsidies to individuals not related to OTIF services
- Food and beverages
- Refundable GST or other refundable expenses
- Deficit reduction
- Costs already covered by other funding programs
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the Ministry of Transportation.
- The Ministry may request additional information and provide feedback.
- Projects are prioritized based on transit gap, community need, OTIF alignment, provincial priorities, and readiness.
- Approved applicants must sign a Transfer Payment Agreement before funding is released.
- Funding is subject to documentation review, payment conditions, and possible audits or inspections.
Additional information
- The guide may be updated by the Ministry at any time.
- Successful applicants must sign a Transfer Payment Agreement.
- Project teams should include relevant local and First Nation partners where applicable.
- Service changes, such as route changes, require Ministry review and approval.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF)?
This program provides up to five years of funding to help start and grow transit services that address service gaps across Ontario. It supports new service, service expansion, first mile/last mile connections, and transit integration projects.
How much funding can be received?
Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was December 31, 2024.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) program, you must:
Must address a transit service gap
Must align with OTIF principles
Must include a project team
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF)?
Launching new transit services to close service gaps
Expanding existing transit service to unserved communities
Creating first mile/last mile connections
Integrating existing transit services and governance structures
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF)?
You can contact Government of Ontario by email at MTO-SIO@ontario.ca or by phone at (416) 325-6691 or 1-855-216-3090.
Where is the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) available?
The Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) program is available the province of Ontario.