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Specialized Transportation Fund

HomeCommunity Services and SupportCommunity TransitSpecialized Transportation Fund
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The District understands that residents need transportation to meet their needs and help reduce social isolation.

Some residents of Muskoka have needs not met by public transportation and may not qualify or be able to afford community-based transportation services, making it difficult to fulfill their needs.  

The Specialized Transportation Fund (STF) can assist people who need financial support for transportation and who do not have access to public transportation services. You can learn more about the STF program below. 

We can help! Please give us a call at 705-645-2100 ext. 4419 if you need help or have any questions regarding the STF program.

To qualify for the STF, residents must:

  • meet eligibility requirements (see more below)
  • plan and book their travel and
  • complete a Trip Funding Application Form for each trip.
What modes of transportation does the STF approve?

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

  • taxis
  • buses
  • trains
  • agency-provided transit (i.e. Red Cross, Muskoka Seniors), and
  • invoiced rides from neighbours or friends
Types of trips approved

Funds are flexible to meet individual needs, including travel outside of Muskoka. Essential trips will be covered up to the approved amount and include trips such as:

  • travel to medical appointments
  • work, school or child care, and
  • weekly grocery shopping

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. 

How much funding is available?

The funding for this program is limited, and individuals can receive a maximum funding amount of $2,000 per year, pending the availability of funds.

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. 

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for the STF, residents must show that they:

  • Have a financial need
    • 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.  
    • Residents who are not currently on Social Assistance but can demonstrate they meet the Federal Government’s Low Income Measure will also qualify; and
  • DO NOT live in an area served by public transportation or that the existing public transportation does not meet their needs; and
  • Have explored accessing other community-based transportation agencies, such as Red Cross, Helping Hands, and/or Muskoka Seniors, and are either ineligible or need financial assistance with the fees; and
  • DO NOT have regular access to a vehicle. 
How To Apply?

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. 

 For STF Approved Applicants

Staff will contact you to confirm your eligibility for funding and discuss the next steps, including an explanation of the Trip Funding application form, which you can view at the link below.

Click here for the Trip Funding Form.

If you need to submit a receipt, please click here.

You can learn more about the District's Community Transportation Plan by visiting: www.engagemuskoka.ca/community-transportation 

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Contact Us

The District Municipality of Muskoka

70 Pine Street
Bracebridge, ON P1L 1N3

Phone: 705-645-2100
Fax: 705-645-5319

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