A regional bus service between Owen Sound and Wiarton is back.
The Grey Transit Route 5 bus returned to the road on Monday, offering three daily round trips between Wiarton and the Scenic City.
The Owen Sound to Wiarton transit service was discontinued in December 2024, after operating funding from the province expired.
“Route 5 offers an affordable and convenient transportation option for residents travelling between Owen Sound, Shallow Lake, Hepworth and Wiarton, connecting riders to employment, medical appointments, shopping, education and other important destinations,” a joint statement from Bruce and Grey counties says.
The service will now offer early morning trips, with the first trip departing the Owen Sound Transit Terminal at 6 a.m. Evening service is also improved, with the final departure each night from Louisa Street in Wiarton scheduled at 8:44 p.m.
The reinstatement of the Grey Transit Route 5 service comes as a regional transit study involving Bruce, Grey, Wellington and Dufferin counties continues. The provincial government provided the counties about $9.5-million in funding to explore a potential unified regional transit network.
“This project focuses on improving regional mobility and expanding affordable transportation options for residents through the greater region,” a joint statement from Bruce and Grey counties issued Monday says. “More information on the regional transit study will be presented to participating county councils this fall.”