Rural Transit Solutions Fund

Description

The Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF) supports the development and expansion of locally driven transit solutions, by helping residents of rural, remote, Indigenous and Northern communities conduct their day-to-day activities, like access services, go to work, school, medical appointments, and visit loved ones.

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada recognizes the diversity of Canada's rural and remote communities and their unique transit needs. As such, the Rural Transit Solutions Fund supports a range of public transit models including fixed-routes, on demand transit and micromobility services, such as e-bikes. Eligible organizations representing these communities can seek support through two program streams depending on the nature of their project:

• Planning and Design Projects stream: Through this stream, eligible applicants can seek grants of up to $50,000 in support of communities' projects to plan and design new or expanded transit solutions for their communities.
• Capital Projects stream: Through this stream, eligible applicants can seek contributions of up to $10 million to help cover tangible capital assets primarily for public use such as the purchase of vehicles and supporting infrastructure.

The Rural Transit Solutions Fund also supports reconciliation by helping to improve the safety of Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited individuals who live in rural and remote areas by helping to establish safe and secure transit systems in their communities.

Eligibility requirements

The Rural Transit Solution Fund supports transit projects in rural and small communities, including small towns and villages within a Census Metropolitan Area (CMA). For full details on eligibility, review the applicant guides.

Status

The Capital Projects Stream is open. 

Applications must be submitted via Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada's online applicant portal by Tuesday, March 4, 2025 (3:00 p.m. EST). Indigenous applicants can submit their application by Tuesday, April 8, 2025, (3:00 p.m. EST).

Administration

This federal program is administered by the Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Government of Canada.