Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene pause microtransit initiative following due diligence review

(July 23, 2026 – Midland and Penetanguishene, ON) Following a comprehensive due diligence review and contract discussions with the preferred proponent, the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene have determined that they will not proceed with the proposed microtransit initiative at this time.

In March 2026, the Towns’ Councils approved the implementation of a hybrid transit model combining a traditional fixed route with on-demand microtransit service, subject to final contract negotiations and operational planning. The approval followed a joint Request for Proposals process undertaken by the two municipalities.

Before entering into a final agreement, staff from both municipalities conducted an extensive due diligence review to assess key operational, service delivery, financial, and workforce considerations.

Through that review, staff identified several concerns that could not be satisfactorily resolved. As a result, they were unable to obtain sufficient assurance that the proposed service model could maintain current transit service levels without introducing unacceptable operational or financial risk to the municipalities.

"Council's goal has always been to ensure transit remains reliable, responsive, and sustainable," said Mayor Bill Gordon, Town of Midland. "Based on the information gathered through due diligence, we determined that proceeding at this time would not be in the best interests of our communities. While disappointing, it is important that any future transit model meets the needs of our communities and delivers value for taxpayers."

"This decision reflects the importance of carefully evaluating major service changes before implementation," said Mayor Doug Rawson, Town of Penetanguishene. "We remain committed to making informed and responsible decisions that protect service quality, support transit users, and deliver value for taxpayers."

The existing Mid-Pen Transit service will continue to operate without interruption, and residents can expect no changes to current routes, schedules, fares, or service levels.

The Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene remain committed to providing reliable public transit services and will continue to evaluate opportunities to improve mobility while ensuring service, financial, and operational objectives can be achieved.

Updates regarding transit planning will be shared with the public as they become available. Mid-Pen Transit riders are encouraged to sign up for Transit Notices at midland.ca/subscribe to receive updates directly by email.

Contact:

Mitch Sobil, P. Eng
Executive Director, Infrastructure Management / Town Engineer
Town of Midland
(705) 526-4275 ext. 2213
msobil@midland.ca

Bryan Murray, P. Eng
Director of Public Works
Town of Penetanguishene
(705) 549-7992 or (705) 549-7453 ext. 107
bmurray@penetanguishene.ca