2026 GRT budget proposal

This year, Regional Council directed staff to prepare a budget focused on affordability. The current draft budget results in a tax levy increase of 5%, which would add around $96 per year for the average Waterloo Region household. Grand River Transit, as a regional service, is part of the Region of Waterloo’s Plan and Budget process.

GRT’s proposed 2026 budget balances current ridership with affordability and the priorities of the GRT Business Plan.

Fares:

The proposed 2026 Transit Services budget does not include a general fare increase. ​

Select increases are based on contractual agreements and to align pricing across programs. ​

  • MobilityPLUS Taxi Coupon price increase of $10 to $40 per book
    • To align with other transit agencies and based on cost recovery
  • 2-Ride fare card, used by agencies, price increase of $1 to $6
    • To align with stored value pricing and cost recovery
  • U-Pass price increase of 5% from $124.91 to $131.14 as per existing U-Pass contracts

2026 service plan:

GRT is planning to advance the GRT Business Plan with changes that improve transit coverage and speed, respond to customer needs, and diversify ridership.​

Service reductions respond to decreased ridership, changes in travel patterns, and maintain GRT's frequent transit network.

  • Speed and coverage improvements on Routes 206, 27, 14 and 36
    • Route 206 remains on Highway 8 to improve speed between Kitchener and Cambridge
    • Route 27 extended to serve new bus loop at Chicopee resort
    • Route 14 loop expanded to serve new Colby/Conestogo industries in Waterloo
    • Route 36 extended to South Creek Drive to serve growing Doon South in Kitchener
  • New / improved Township transit services
    • Subject to funding through the Ontario Transit Investment Fund, introduce new services for North Dumfries and Wellesley, and improved services for Wilmot and Woolwich
  • Service on Routes 9, 13, 19 and 30 will be reduced to every 30 minutes
    • Routes 9, 13, 19 and 30 are interlined and ridership is down up to 17%
  • Route 110 will be discontinued. Alternative, direct service and capacity exists on Route 10.
    • Route 110 ridership is down more than 50% this year
  • Close GRT Customer Service Centres on Sundays and holidays
    • In response to in response to changing customer patterns and increased fare payment options, including online, mobile and new fare vending machine locations

Have your say

  • You can share your budget priorities with Regional Council at two Public Input Sessions on Tuesday, Nov. 18 and Wednesday, Dec. 3. These events will be in Regional Council chambers at 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, starting at 6 p.m. Delegates who wish to speak must register before the meeting.
  • You can also be part of the Plan and Budget process online through the Region’s EngageWR page. You can submit your thoughts and find this year’s reports and presentations.

Approval of the budget is planned for Dec. 16.