Specialized Transportation Fund

If you qualify for the STF, you can use many different modes of transportation including (but not limited to):

• taxi
• buses
• trains

• agency-provided transit (i.e. Red Cross, Muskoka Seniors), and
• invoiced rides from neighbours or friends
• Public Transit
• District Demand Responsive Transit (DRT)

Funds are flexible to meet individual needs, including travel outside of Muskoka. Trips will be covered up to the approved amount under the following guidelines:

Typically Funded:

• Trips for healthcare
• Trips for groceries
• Trips to attend to legal matters

Sometimes Funded – Pre-approval required:

• Trips for other shopping needs
• Social Visits
• Employment (travel up to two weeks)
• School
• Childcare
• Recreation

Not Funded:

• Multiple weekly trips with the same purpose (i.e. several weekly trips for shopping)
• Trips to restaurants

Depending on the availability of funds, the STF may not cover non-essential trips.  If you are unsure if your trip will be covered, check with District staff before taking the trip or requesting a refund. 

The funding for this program is limited.

We will check your eligibility for the STF on an annual basis. A successful application to the STF does not guarantee that you will qualify for funding the following year.

Funds are distributed to residents who meet the required criteria on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds run out. 

To qualify for STF, residents must show that they:

1. Demonstrate financial need:

• a. Registered recipients of Social Assistance, either on Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program, will qualify if they need to take a trip that is not covered by financial supports provided through these programs.  
• b. Residents who are not currently on Social Assistance programs but can demonstrate they meet the Federal Government’s Low Income Measure will also qualify; and
• c. Residents who can demonstrate that their assets do not exceed $50,000.00 

2. Not eligible for or need financial assistance with other community-based transportation agency programs, such as those offered by Red Cross, Helping Hands, and/or Muskoka Seniors; and

3. Without sufficient resources to meet their transportation needs for:

• a. Food insecurity, medical appts for non-social assistance clients, employment opportunities, court, etc…

4. Residents with a personal vehicle who are travelling out of their respective town or area and meet all other eligibility requirements.

If you think you would qualify for funding from the STF, please complete the Application Form at the following link:

Click here to complete the STF Application Form.

Application - Next Steps:

Staff will review your application and will contact you to confirm whether you are approved. You may be asked for paper work such as:

• proof of income,
• proof of address,
• a note from a health care provider confirming your inability to use a transportation service that may be available at your location, or
• other documents that might be required to assess whether or not you qualify for funding.

Once you are approved, you will receive a package further outlining the process of applying for funds. 

Staff will contact you to confirm your eligibility for funding and discuss the next steps, including how to submit a request to arrange transportation and how to apply for reimbursement of trips.

Staff require a minimum of 48 hours advance notice to arrange transportation.