Launched in December 2020, Huron Shores Area Transit (HSAT) offers an inter-community public transit service that connects key partners across the region. Serving Lambton Shores, South Huron, Bluewater, Plympton-Wyoming and Kettle & Stony Point First Nation, HSAT links these communities with major urban hubs, including Sarnia, London, and Goderich. This fully accessible transit system plays a critical role in offering reliable, affordable, and convenient transportation for seniors, students, workers, youth, and anyone seeking access to employment, education, healthcare, and leisure activities.
As of April 2025, the sustainability and growth of HSAT have been bolstered by significant investment commitments from provincial, municipal and First Nation partners. These funding contributions from the Municipality of Lambton Shores, Municipality of Bluewater, Municipality of South Huron, Town of Plympton-Wyoming, and Kettle & Stony Point First Nation ensure HSAT can continue providing vital rural transit solutions. Over the next five years (2025 – 2030) HSAT will receive $969,000 from the Ontario Transit Investment Fund and up to $1.3-million from Ontario’s Gas Tax Fund. The commitment of all levels of government underscores ongoing financial support, securing the long-term success of this essential service for years to come.
HSAT is a proud member of Southwest Community Transit (SCT), an alliance of municipalities and non-profit organizations in Southwest Ontario dedicated to rural transit. Alongside HSAT, other 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. Together, these members work to increase travel connections, promote inter-community links, share best practices, and explore efficiencies in service planning and delivery. By collaborating on bulk purchasing and coordinated efforts, they aim to reduce operating costs and capitalize on shared resources.
The HSAT service area, covering 1,519.5 km² (687.5 sq. mi.), serves a population of 47,567 (2021 Census). For perspective, this area is more than twice the size of Toronto (630.2 km² / 243.3 sq. mi.), yet operates with just two 20-person buses and three fixed routes. Each bus is fully accessible, with space for two wheelchairs and two bicycles, ensuring HSAT can serve the diverse mobility needs of the region.
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.
- 19 towns/villages served.
- 40 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.
- Route 1 Express Bus runs July through October to accommodate rise in seasonal workers and daytrippers.
For more information, view the latest annual report (PDF).
Transit Advisory Committee
The Transit Advisory Committee emerged in 2019 from an 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.
Up to March 31, 2025, 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 Team’s members include senior management from the core transit partners of Lambton Shores, Kettle & Stony Point First Nation, South Huron, Bluewater and Plympton-Wyoming. 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 community, consulting with local community, business 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.
