If long-term funding is secured to maintain the operations of an inter-community transit service, new infrastructure will be added along the Huron Shores Area Transit (HSAT) network this year.
The Municipality of Lambton Shores has received federal funding, through Infrastructure Canada's Rural Transit Solutions Fund, to complete an infrastructure enhancement project at 28 rural bus stops.
The project is estimated to cost $374,336.
The federal funding would contribute 80 per cent of the estimated project cost of $299,468 and Lambton Shores council recently agreed to pay the remaining 20 per cent at $74,868.
The project includes the installation of 28 concrete pads to improve accessibility, 18 new transit shelters with solar lighting and benches, seven standalone benches, and 21 bike racks. Each space will also have advertising space available.
"It's our intention to improve the safety and the rider experience, support active transportation in the area, and enhance the viability and usability of our system, but also to generate up to $75,000 a year in advertising revenue, which is essential to improving the financial sustainability of the system," said Director of Financial Services Rebecca Clothier.
The future of HSAT is still questionable.
Funding under the Ontario Community Transit Grant Program ended in late March, so Lambton Shores contributed $50,000 in order to keep the transit service running until April 30 while they wait to hear the outcome of other provincial grant opportunities, through the Ontario Transit Investment Fund and Ontario Gas Tax.
"This project, and the entire operation of the transit system, is really dependent on securing the additional funding from the province," Clothier said.
However, she said at this point, they're confident the municipality will be able to secure the necessary funding for HSAT.
"As soon as that funding is secured, we'll move forward with this additional infrastructure," she said.
Since launching in 2020, HSAT ridership has continued to grow.
In 2024, ridership increased by 27 per cent, with 25,592 passenger trips, read its annual report. A poll also found that 80 per cent of HSAT riders completely rely on the service to get around.
"We're confident that in the future the system will continue to grow," said Clothier.
While the municipality waits to hear from the province, it has secured funding from partner municipalities including South Huron, Bluewater, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, and Plympton-Wyoming.
During a meeting on April 9, Plympton-Wyoming council agreed in principle to contribute $41,500 over five years toward HSAT.