Specialized Transportation Fund

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

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. 

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. 

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. 

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 an explanation of the Trip Funding application form, which you can view at the link below.

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

Click here for the Trip Funding Form.

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