City Council Approves Extension of GOST Transit Through August 2026
Owen Sound Council has approved an extension of the Guelph Owen Sound Transit (GOST) service through August 2026, with full funding provided by Grey County during the transition to a regional model.
City Council has approved a staff recommendation to extend Owen Sound’s operation of the Guelph Owen Sound Transit (GOST) service through August 31, 2026. The decision, made at the February 9 council meeting, follows a presentation and report received by the Operations Committee on January 22.
The extension ensures GOST service continues during a transitional period while Grey County develops a regional transit strategy. Council’s approval directs staff to bring forward bylaws to formalize the necessary agreements for the extension.
According to Staff Report OP-26-001, prepared by Heidi Jennen, Supervisor of Environmental Services, the transit service was originally scheduled to end March 31, 2026, following a one-year extension granted in 2025 due to remaining provincial funding.
Grey County has approved full funding for GOST’s operating costs from April 1 to August 31, 2026. This includes staff wages, fuel, and contract services, contingent on the City of Owen Sound continuing to operate the service during that period. County Council approved this funding on November 13, 2025, while planning is underway to potentially integrate the GOST route into a broader regional system by September 1.
In March 2024, Owen Sound Council had approved transferring oversight of the route to Grey County, noting the inter-county nature of the service. The County is now conducting a transit study that will inform its long-term approach.
To maintain operations during the interim period, Owen Sound will extend its agreement with 947465 Ontario Ltd., operating as Voyago, for a five-month period. The estimated gross operating cost for the extension is approximately $176,873.90, excluding HST. This figure includes just over $151,000 for contracted transit services and $25,000 for fuel and program staffing. Fare revenue—currently ranging from $12,000 to $16,000 per month, according to staff—will continue to contribute to operating costs.
Owen Sound transit terminal staff will remain in their current roles supporting GOST service. Their work includes coverage on Sundays, Saturday mornings, and statutory holidays. These staffing costs will be funded by the County during the extension.
The continuation of service also requires legal and administrative updates. The City will update licence agreements for bus stop locations in Chatsworth, West Grey, Wellington North, and Centre Wellington.
Staff will also coordinate a Memorandum of Understanding with lower-tier municipalities in both Grey and Wellington Counties to authorize service operations within their jurisdictions.
Legal review and related costs will be covered using unspent provincial grant funding, which is projected to exceed $100,000 by the end of March.
The GOST route has been funded through a provincial grant of up to $1.9 million, with final figures showing that fare revenues have exceeded expectations and operating expenses have been lower than projected.
Council approved the recommendation without discussion.
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