Launched in December 2020, Huron Shores Area Transit (HSAT) operates an inter-community public transit service linking its transit partners – Lambton Shores, South Huron, North Middlesex, Bluewater and Kettle & Stony Point First Nation – with each other and Sarnia, London, Goderich and Strathroy. The fully accessible service provides an important regional, accessible, convenient and affordable transit service for seniors, students, workers and youth for employment, education, health and wellness, and leisure.
As of April 2025, investment commitments from municipal and First Nation partners play a pivotal role in the long-term sustainability of the transit service. Funding commitments from the Municipality of Lambton Shores, Municipality of Bluewater, Municipality of South Huron, Town of Plympton-Wyoming, and Kettle & Stony Point First Nation have enabled HSAT to continue offering reliable and innovative rural transit solutions for our communities. Behind these changes is a commitment from all levels of government, ensuring continuous financial support for the rural transit service for the coming years.
HSAT is a member of Southwest Community Transit (SCT / ride-sct.ca), an association of member municipalities and non-profit organizations in Southwest Ontario with rural transit systems. With HSAT, members include County of Brant/Brant Transit, Grey County/Grey Transit Route, Middlesex County Connect, Norfolk County/Ride Norfolk, Perth County/Perth County Connect, Strathroy-Caradoc/Inter-Community Transit, and Tillsonburg/T:GO.
Working together with the South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation (SCOR EDC), transit members seek to increase travel connections between member services, promote inter-community connections, share best practices for planning and delivery of services, and identify potential operating efficiencies and capital savings by purchasing as a single entity.
The HSAT service area has a population of 37,686 (2021 Census) and covers 1,519.5 km2 (687.5 sq. mi.). The geographical area served is more than twice the size of the City of Toronto (630.2 km2 / 243.3 sq mi), with just two 20-person buses and four fixed-route bus routes. Each bus can accommodate two wheelchairs and two bikes.
Fast Facts
- $15 London or Sarnia to Goderich, $10 regular long-distance fare, $5 local fare.
- Children 12 and under ride free with an adult.
- 2 buses.
- 4 bus routes.
- 22 towns/villages served.
- 51 bus stops, plus one flag stop.
- Bus Hub is located at Sobeys Plaza (Grand Bend).
- 25,592 trips/boardings in 2024.
- Sarnia to Grand Bend Route 1 is the busiest route.
- Average Monthly Ridership 2,028.
- Summer Bus runs July and August to accommodate beachgoers travelling Route 2 from London to Grand Bend.
- Employee Shuttles run July through October to accommodate seasonal workers.
For more information, view the latest annual report (PDF).
Transit Advisory Committee
The Transit Advisory Committee emerged in 2019 from the earlier 2018 Huron Shores Transit Steering Committee, which formed as a grassroots advocacy group from business owners and organizations and social agencies who over a number of years had identified affordable housing and public transit as major opportunities for rural community sustainability.
The role of the Transit Advisory Committee was to act as a sounding board and feedback mechanism for the Transit Coordinator and to connect Huron Shores Area Transit to its constituent municipal partners. Committee members included Bruce Shaw, Cindy Maxfield, Darren Boyle, Doug Cook, Glen Baillie, Janet Ferguson, Kyle Walker, Lorri Kerrigan, Lynne VanHaaren, Rebekah Msuya-Collison, Alaina Monkhouse, and Winona Bailey.
Transit Partner Collaboration Team
Beginning 2025, the Transit Partner Collaboration Team replaced the Transit Advisory Committee. The Collaboration Team’s members include senior management from the core transit partners. The Team assists HSAT management in addressing concerns, priorities, policies, and guidelines related to accessible, equitable, and affordable public transit. Team members act as informed advocates for their municipality/First Nation, consulting with local community and social agencies as needed, and serving as access points for input from transit stakeholders throughout the the service area.
As the lead municipality, Lambton Shores is uniquely represented by a three-member team: the CAO, Director of Financial Services, and Transit Coordinator. This expanded structure supports strategic leadership, financial oversight, and operational delivery of transit services.
