Why Southwest Community Transit Exists: Bridging the Rural Transportation Gap
- SCOR EDC
- 32 minutes ago
- 2 min read
In many parts of Southwestern Ontario, getting from one place to another isn’t as simple as hopping on a city bus. For residents in smaller towns and rural areas, access to public transportation is often limited or doesn’t exist at all.
That’s where Southwest Community Transit (SCT) comes in.
The Problem: Limited Transit Options in Rural Areas
While larger cities have extensive public transit systems, rural and remote communities have long faced a gap. This lack of reliable transportation creates real barriers to everyday life, especially for:
Seniors and youth without access to a car
People with disabilities
Job seekers who can’t reach employment opportunities
Residents needing to get to medical appointments, school, or grocery stores
Without transportation, these basic needs become harder to meet. It can lead to greater isolation, missed opportunities, and inequality.
The Solution: A Regional Transit Network Built Through Partnerships
Southwest Community Transit was created to connect the disconnected.
SCT is a collaborative network of municipalities and non-profit organizations working alongside the South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation (SCOR EDC). Together, we’ve built a transit model that links rural communities to nearby urban centres, enabling more people to live, work, and thrive where they are.
Whether it’s shared-ride vans, on-demand service, or fixed-route buses, each SCT partner tailors transit to the needs of their region.
Funded with Community in Mind
With critical support from the Ontario Community Transportation Grant, SCT programs offer affordable, accessible, and consistent transit across regions that would otherwise be left behind. This funding ensures services can run throughout the week and reach communities like:
Grey, Brant, Norfolk, Perth, Middlesex, and Wellington Counties
Cities and towns such as Sarnia, London, Tillsonburg, Owen Sound, Stratford, and more
Why It Matters
SCT isn’t just about moving people. It’s about:
Equity: Everyone deserves access to essential services, no matter where they live
Opportunity: Transit connects people to work, school, and healthcare
Community Resilience: Supporting rural mobility strengthens the entire region
See What’s Available in Your Area
Curious about routes near you? Visit our map to find local schedules and service options.
The Bottom Line
Southwest Community Transit exists because where you live shouldn't determine how far you can go. With SCT, rural residents are better connected, better supported, and better positioned to participate in their communities.
Contact us: info@ride-sct.ca
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