Driving
Simcoe County is the second largest county in Ontario. Communities in Simcoe County vary from urban to rural. Communities are connected to each other by roadways. Travelling by car is important in Simcoe County because public transit is not available in all areas of Simcoe County.
If you live in Ontario and want to drive, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have a valid Ontario driver’s licence and carry it with you when driving
- Have a valid owner’s permit, licence plate and automobile insurance
- Obey the traffic laws and drive safely
The process to get a driver’s licence varies depending on whether or not you are a new driver. The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) is the government department that controls driver’s licences and vehicle registration in Ontario. You will need to show approved identity documents and pay a fee. In all cases, you have to go to a Driver Examination Centre.
If you already have a driver’s license
If you have a driver’s licence from another country, you may be able to exchange it for an Ontario driver’s licence. Click here for more information from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation about how to switch a driver’s license from another province, state or country for an Ontario driver’s licence.
If you are a new driver
If you don’t already have a driver’s licence, you will have to apply for an Ontario driver’s licence. Ontario has a graduated licensing system, which means there is a process to follow to get a full licence. The process includes passing a knowledge test and two road tests.
Here are some links to learn more information about in Ontario:
- Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO): Driving and Roads in Ontario
- Settlement.org: Getting an Ontario driver’s licence
- DriveTest Ontario: Out of Country Drivers If you already have a driver’s licence
Non-Local Public Transit
Government of Ontario Transit Service (GO Transit)
The Government of Ontario Transit service (GO Transit) operates commuter trains and buses. These vehicles connect areas of Simcoe County with municipal transit systems in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas, including the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). In many areas of Simcoe County, people commute to Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) on a daily basis.
GO Stations in Simcoe County:
- Barrie – Allandale Waterfront GO Station (train and bus)
- 24 Essa Road
- Barrie South GO Station (train and bus)
- 833 Yonge Street
- Bradford GO Station (train and bus)
- 300 Holland Street East
Visit the GO Transit website for more information or call Toll-free:1-888-438-6646
Ontario Northland
Ontario Northland is a Canadian company that provides reliable and comfortable bus and train services across Ontario.
Ontario Northland has three stations in Simcoe County:
- Barrie, 24 Maple Avenue
- Orillia, 450 West Street South (Knights Inn)
- Coldwater, 33 Coldwater Street (Shell & Variety)
Visit the Ontario Northland website for more information.
Community Transportation Link
The Community Transportation Link is a partnership of trusted transportation providers, helping Simcoe County’s vulnerable access transportation. Seniors and individuals with disabilities can get transportation to non-urgent medical appointments. Rides can also be booked for social appointments, however, priority will always be given to medical appointments. This is a door to door, on-demand service, operating seven days a week. CT Link is only for residents of Simcoe County. Drivers will provide passengers with transportation within the region, and to appointments outside of Simcoe County, including Toronto and the surrounding Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA). A support person may accompany passengers and assist with translation, vision, mobility, or cognitive needs at no extra charge.
Local Transit Services
The County of Simcoe has many public transit services to help you travel to local destinations quickly and affordably.
Barrie Transit offers conventional service and specialized transit services for people with mobility restrictions. The City of Barrie operates a total of 9 two-directional conventional routes. The “A” or “B” in the route number (ex. 1A) indicates the travel direction of the route. Passengers can plan their trips and review real-time bus information online. Barrie Transit buses are all wheelchair accessible.
Barrie Transit offers a Night Stop program for the comfort, safety, and convenience of riders. The service takes effect daily at dusk or 9pm until the end of evening service. Passengers can request that the driver stop at any safe location (operator discretion) along a route, allowing them to exit closer to their destination than the nearest transit stop. Passengers who wish to get off should let the transit operator know at least one stop before the location in which they wish to disembark.
The City of Barrie produces route summary brochures and maps upon request. To obtain one of these documents, visit:
- City Hall (1st Floor Info Desk), 70 Collier Street
- Downtown Transit Terminal, 24 Maple Avenue
- Allandale Recreation Centre, 190 Bayview Drive
- East Bayfield Community Centre, 80 Livingstone Street East
- Peggy Hill Community Centre, 171 Mapleton Avenue
Barrie Transit runs seven days a week. Buses do not run on the following statutory holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunday
- Victoria Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
Special services are provided on Canada Day, Civic Holiday, and Boxing Day. Buses operate normally on Family Day and Labour Day.
Fares
Fares can be paid by cash or a pass. Transit operators do not carry change. Passes can be purchased at:
- Barrie Transit Terminal, 24 Maple Avenue
- Open seven days a week, 7am-10pm
- Service Barrie at City Hall, 70 Collier Street
- Open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm
- Allandale Recreation Centre,190 Bayview Drive
- Walk-in/drop-in basis
- East Bayfield Community Centre, 80 Livingstone St E
- Walk-in/drop-in basis
- Peggy Hill Community Centre, 171 Mapleton Ave
- Walk-in/drop-in basis
Cash Fares | |
---|---|
Adults, students, children 13+ | $3.25 |
Seniors | $3.00 |
Barrie Transit connecting to/from GO train (only with valid presto card/ticket) | FREE |
Children 12 and under | FREE |
Seniors on Thursdays | FREE |
Visually Impaired (valid CNIB card required) | FREE |
Ride Passes | |
---|---|
Individual Day Pass | $8.00 |
Family Day Pass
Group of 4 or less, max 2 Adults/Seniors/Students |
$9.50 |
Adult Monthly Pass
Ages 19-64 |
$89.00 |
Student Monthly Pass
Ages 13+ |
$68.25 |
Senior Monthly Pass
Ages 65+ |
$53.00 |
10-Ride Card | |
---|---|
Adult
Ages 19-64 |
$28.00 |
Student
Ages 13+ |
$24.50 |
Senior
65+ |
$21.00 |
Transfers
Passengers can transfer routes at any point where two routes connect. Passengers must request a transfer when they first board the bus if they require a transfer to continue along their route. When boarding a bus with a transfer, passengers must scan the barcode transfer ticket on the fare box. If, for any reason the fare box scan option is not available, passengers must then present the transfer to the Operator unfolded and date-side up for inspection. Transfers must NOT be placed in the fare box. A transfer is valid for 75 minutes from the time of issue and is valid as part of one continuous trip from origin to destination. Retain your transfer if you need to travel on multiple buses to arrive at your destination. Transfers are non-transferable and have no cash value.
Transit on Demand
The City of Barrie also offers a Transit ON Demand (ToD) service that is accessible to all transit users. This transit initiative does not have a fixed schedule or route. Users can book their trips through a Smartphone application (Search Barrie ToD on the Apple or Google Play store), online, or by calling a booking agent (705 792 5033). ToD operates within a specific zone, allowing riders to travel from stop to stop on demand. The ToD is available Monday to Saturday, 6:35am to 5:30pm. Rides cannot be booked that would depart or arrive outside of these service hours. Fares for ToD are the same as regular transit. Monthly pass, cash, and transfer are payment options available for users to select within the app.
Bradford West Gwillimbury’s municipal transit system provides bus service and shared-ride shuttle service for GO Train commuters.
BWG has three bus routes that run Monday-Friday, and two routes that run on Saturdays. Transit is not operational on Sundays or on the following statutory holidays:
- New Years Day
- Family Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- Civic Holiday
- Labour Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Fares
Fares vary based on how riders choose to pay. If paying cash, fare is $3 per rider (ages 5 and up). If paying with an easyPASS, the fare is $1.
easyPass is a reloadable card that you swipe as you enter any BWG transit bus. Your fare is deducted from your balance. One card can be used for the entire family. easyPASS cards can be purchased and loaded at:
- BWG Leisure Centre, 471 West Park Ave
- Monday-Thursday 6am-10pm, Friday 6am-8pm, Saturday and Sunday 7:30 am,-4pm)
- Town Administration Office, 100 Dissette Street
- Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
- Town Finance Office, 61 Holland Street
- Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm (credit cards are not accepted at this location)
The easyPASS card itself costs $2. Once purchased, riders can load any whole-dollar amount between $10-$80 onto the card. When the balance is empty or has less than $2, riders can reload or turn it in on any BWG bus and get one free ride.
Transfers
Transfers must be requested from the driver at the time of boarding if you are using cash or if you are paying for more than one rider with your easyPASS. One transfer is required per person age 5 and up. Your paper transfer will show the time and date it was received, and is good for 90 minutes.
When using easyPass, the transfer information is stored right on the pass. You can swipe your easyPASS again on any BWG Transit bus within 90 minutes and no additional funds will be deducted.
Shuttle-to-GO
In addition to bus service, BWG offers a shared-ride service between bus stops and the Bradford GO station during the early morning and evening train periods. The service is provided by Town Taxi through a fare sharing arrangement with Metrolinx and the Town of BWG.
- Call Town Taxi (905-775-5656) no later than 8pm the day before to book your ride between any BWG transit stop and the GO Station.
- Provide your bus or train time (service available for weekday departures between 4:45 and 7:45am and arrivals between 5:00 and 7:30pm). Rides can be pre-booked up to a week at a time.
- A Taxi bearing the BWG Transit logo will pick you up at the stop or station at the pre-determined time.
- Pay your driver the $3 fare per person per ride (cash only) or show a valid PRESTO card and ride for free.
The Township of Clearview operates a one bus transit service in the community of Stayner. Public transit is available 7 days a week and is closed on the following statutory holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Family Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunday
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- Civic Holiday
- Labour Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
The bus operates from 6:30am-8:30pm Monday-Saturday, and 8:30am-5:30pm on Sundays.
Passengers can connect with the Wasaga Beach Public Transit and the Wasaga/Collingwood LINX route at the Superstore transfer stop. Connections require a new fare payment. For example, a passenger getting on the bus in Stayner that is travelling to Collingwood would pay a fare when boarding in Stayner, and an additional fare when boarding the Wasaga/Collingwood LINX bus.
Fares
One Way Trip | |
---|---|
Students, Adults & Seniors | $2.00 |
Children
Under 4 years of age |
Free |
30 Day Pass | |
---|---|
Adult & Senior | $40.00 |
Student & Youth | $30.00 |
Clearview Public Transit operates using an exact fare system, meaning passengers are required to have exact change. Drivers do not carry change.
30-day passes can be purchased at the Clearview Township Administration Centre during regular business hours. Alternatively, passengers can use a Clearview Transit Card. The Clearview Transit Card is a reusable smart card. Customers can choose to load their card with a 30-day pass or a monetary value in which one way trips are deducted from. Users tap their card on and off the bus. Clearview Transit Cards are available at:
- Clearview Township Administration Centre, 217 Gideon Street
- Stayner Arena, 269 Regina Street, Stayner
Cards are also available directly from the Clearview Transit Drivers and from the Stayner Branch of the Clearview Public Library, however, they cannot be activated and loaded at these locations.
Once passengers are in possession of an activated transit card, they can reload in-person or online. Funds can be loaded in amounts ranging from $2 to $100.
The Town of Collingwood’s public transit system, Colltrans, offers three regularly scheduled transit routes. Buses pickup passengers every thirty minutes at the terminal (located at the corner of Second Street and Pine Street, adjacent to the municipal parking lot at 100 Pine Street). There is currently no service on the following statutory holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Family Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunday
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- Civic Holiday
- Labour Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Fares
One Way Trip | |
---|---|
Adult | $2.00 |
Senior
Age 60 and over |
$1.50 |
Student | $1.50 |
Children
5 and under |
Free |
Monthly Passes | |
---|---|
Adult | $40.00 |
Senior
Age 60 and over |
$30.00 |
Student | $30.00 |
Children
5 and under |
Free |
Collingwood residents may also choose to purchase a Monthly Universal Transit Pass for $120 per month. This pass provides unlimited access to Colltrans, Simcoe County LINX, and the Wasaga Beach Transit System.
Transit passes can be purchased at:
- Collinwood Town Hall, 97 Hurontario Street
- Collingwood Public Library, 55 Ste. Marie Street
Passengers are also able to purchase and re-load their transit passes using Smart Card technology. The Smart Card contains an embedded chip that is recognizable to an electronic reader on the bus and allows customers to pay their fare with a simple tap of a card. Smart Cards are available for purchase at both the Town of Collingwood and the Town of Wasaga Beach Town Halls. Cards can be reloaded on the bus, anywhere monthly passes are sold, or online. Detailed instructions have been developed to help patrons navigate the online transit portal.
The Township of Innisfil has partnered with Uber and local taxi companies to provide reliable and affordable on-demand transit.
Transit Rates by Route
Discounted taxi and Uber rates are available within the Innisfil town boundaries. Passengers save $4 off the standard rate when travelling anywhere within Innisfil. Passengers select where they wish to go, however, discounted rates are available for any trip to or from the following locations:
Pickup location or drop-off destination | Discounted Uber/Taxi Rate |
---|---|
Innisfil Recreational Complex and Town Hall Area | $4 |
Innisfil ideaLAB and Library (Lakeshore branch) | $4 |
South Innisfil Community Centre | $4 |
Innisfil Community Church or Innisfil Food Bank | $4 |
Closest GO transit bus stop along Yonge St | $5 |
Barrie South GO Station | $6 |
Innisfil Heights Employment Area & Highway 400 Carpool Lot | $6 |
Innisfil also provides an Essential Trips Assistance Voucher for two free trips to the following locations:
- Alcona Guardian Pharmacy
- Alcona No Frills
- Alcona Pharmasave
- Alcona Shoppers Drug Mart
- Alcona Sobeys
- Cookstown Foodland/Pharmacy
- Innisfil Food Bank
- Lefroy Pharmasave
- Sandy Cove Drug Store
- Stroud Foodland/Guardian Pharmacy
- Stroud Rexall Pharmacy
- Rizzardo Health and Wellness Centre
- Innisfil Vaccination Clinic (at the Innisfil Recreational Complex)
Information on using vouchers can be found on Uber’s website.
Bus Service is available within the towns of Midland and Penetanguishene. There are three different routes. Numerous bus stops have been placed along fixed routes to designate safe places to get on or off a bus. However, passengers seeking bus service are not required to be at a bus stop or shelter to get on or off. Passengers standing in a safe location may flag down the bus along its route and get on. Buses run Monday-Saturday (No Sunday service). Transit is unavailable on the following statutory holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Family Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- Civic Holiday
- Labour Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Other dates of interest:
- Christmas Eve – last run starts at 4:15pm
- New Year’s Eve – last run starts at 4:15pm
Fares
Transit cost varies depending on age and payment method. Passengers can choose to pay with cash or a reloadable smart card. If paying cash, it is important to note that transit operators cannot make change.
Cash Fares | |
---|---|
Adult (18-64) | $3.00 per ride |
Senior (65 years and over) | $2.50 per ride |
Student (7-17) | $2.50 per ride |
Child (6 and under) | Free |
Reloadable Smart Card Fares | |
---|---|
Adult (18-64) | $45.00 for 20 rides |
Senior (65 years and over) | $40.00 for 20 rides |
Student (7-17) | $40.00 for 20 rides |
Child (6 and under) | Free |
Reloadable fare cards are available at:
- Midland Municipal Office, 575 Dominion Avenue
- Midland Public Library, 320 King Street
- North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre, 527 Len Self Boulevard
- Penetanguishene Municipal Office, 10 Robert Street West
- Penetanguishene Library, 24 Simcoe Street
Reloadable fare cards are non-refundable. There is a one-time fee of $3.25 to purchase the Smart Card . Once obtained, the Smart Card can be reloaded in groups of 5 rides, up to a maximum of 50 rides. Smart Cards can be reloaded in-person at one of the locations listed above or online via credit card. There is an auto-reload feature that can be enabled.
Transfers
There is one location where the Penetanguishene Route and Midland Route intersect and provide a free transfer point: Huronia Mall, 9225 County Road 93.
A transfer must be requested at the time the fare is paid. Transfers are imprinted with the date and time and are valid for 30 minutes from time of receipt on any Midland-Pentanguishene Transit bus going any direction.
Passengers can transfer from the Simcoe County LINX service to the Midland-Penetanguishene service free of charge. When transferring from Midland-Penetanguishene Transit to the LINX, the fare is reduced by $1.
The City of Orillia offers bus service 7 days a week. There are six different routes covering most areas of the city. Buses depart the terminal (West and Mississauga Streets) at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour. Hours of service vary:
- Weekday service begins at 6:15am, with final departures from the terminal at 10:15pm
- Saturday service begins at 8:45am, with final departures from the terminal at 7:45pm
- Sunday service begins at 8:45am with final departures from the terminal at 4:15pm
There is no service on the following statutory holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Family Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunday
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- Civic Holiday
- Labour Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Fares
Passengers of the Orillia Transit System are charged $2.80 cash fare (valid for one-way and transfer at terminal). Up to two elementary school-aged children and/or preschoolers may ride free when accompanied by a paying guardian. Individuals with visual impairments may ride for free with CNIB card.
The City of Orillia also sells monthly passes for $63.60. Alternatively, individuals may choose to purchase ride passes:
12 Rides for the Price of 11 | $30.80 |
---|---|
48 Rides for the Price of 42 | $117.60 |
Passengers may choose to obtain and use a cOnnect Pass transit card. These transit cards provide an efficient and convenient way to pay for Orillia bus service. cOnnect Passes can be loaded with single-trip fares, monthly passes, bulk tickets, or a specific value. cOnnect Passes can be purchased and loaded at:
- Orillia City Centre, 50 Andrew Street South (cash and debit only)
- Orillia Public Library, 36 Mississaga Street West (cash, debit, and credit)
- Online
The cOnnect Pass transit card is accepted on all City of Orillia transit routes including the Orillia Wheelchair Limousine Service. After boarding the bus, passengers tap the card lightly on the cad reader machine located at the transit vehicle door. A beep will be heard once the transit fare has been accepted. The system will automatically deduct the fare amount for the route.
Transfers
Orillia Transit passengers can transfer routes at any point where two routes connect. Passengers must request a transfer when they first board the bus. For transit riders using the cOnnect Pass transit card, passengers must tap the cOnnect Pass transit card on the card reader machine located at the transit vehicle door, and the transfer request will directly take place on the cOnnect Pass transit card. For transit riders who would like to pay by cash, a transfer ticket will be provided.
An Orillia transfer is valid for 45 minutes from the time of issue and is valid as part of one continuous trip from origin to destination. Transfers are non-transferable and have no cash value.
Wheelchair Limousine Service
The Orillia Wheelchair Limousine Service (O.W.L.S.) is for those who are unable to board public transit or ride in a taxi and need the assistance of a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. Fares are the same as they are for bus service. Passes and cards can be purchased from the driver. Attendants/support persons do not have to pay a fare.
O.W.L.S. is available weekdays from 6:30am to 10pm, Saturdays from 9am-7:30pm and Sundays from 9am-4pm. All trips are pre-booked by calling (705)-327 0411. If you would like to use the O.W.L.S. service, a Ridership Application Form is required. Once completed, the form must be signed and submitted to the Orillia City Centre (50 Andrew Street, South).
Simcoe County LINX is a conventional public transit system that links major urban hubs and local transit services in the County of Simcoe. The LINX transit system provides citizens and visitors reliable and courteous transit system in clean, safe, and accessible vehicles.
LINX buses run Monday to Friday, with no service on Saturdays, Sundays, or statutory holidays.
- Route 1: Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie
- Route 2: Wasaga Beach to Barrie
- Route 3: Orillia to Barrie
- Route 4: Collingwood to Wasaga Beach
- Route 5: New Tecumseth to Bradford West Gwillimbury
- Route 6: Midland to Orillia
Fares
The cost associated with LINX transit varies depending on the distance traveled and method of payment. An online calculator exists to help estimate fare costs.
Passengers who pay with cash are charged the same fare. The cash fare ranges from $2-$6. When paying with cash, the passenger must notify the driver of their destination and deposit the correct change into the farebox at the front of the bus. Drivers do not carry change. Children 5 and under ride free.
Passengers wishing to save money may choose to use a LINX card. These cards are electronic, reloadable fare cards that are easy and convenient to use. Passengers who load and use the card receive discounted fares. Adults are discounted 10%. Students (elementary, high school, college, university) and seniors (65+) receive a discount of 15%. Currently, Simcoe County is distributing LINX cards for free. You can obtain a LINX card at the County of Simcoe Administration Centre (1110 Highway 26, Midhurst) or on any LINX transit bus. Transit cards can be loaded in-person at the Administration or online using a Visa or Mastercard. Riders may also choose to load their LINX card on the bus with $20 cash only payment. Credit card payments are not accepted on the bus.
How to use the LINX card:
- Once funds have been loaded onto the card, you’re ready to ride
- If using a Student LINX card, you’ll be asked to present valid school identification
- Tap and hold your card on the LINX reader when boarding the bus
- At the end of your trip, tap and hold the card on the LINX card reader. You can tap off at the front or back door of the bus
- If you fail to tap off you will be charged the full trip cost
The township of Wasaga Beach offers bus service seven days a week from 7am-9pm. There are two different routes. Transit services are available 364 days a year. Buses do not run on Christmas Day. Transit maps and schedules are available at:
- Chamber of Commerce
- Town Hall
- Sinton-Landmark
- RecPlex
- Arena
- Public Works
- Medical Centre
Fares
One Way Trip | |
---|---|
Adult | $2.00 |
Senior
Age 60 and over |
$1.50 |
Student
Age 20 and over with Student ID |
$1.50 |
Youth
Age 6-19 |
$1.50 |
Child
Age 5 and under |
FREE |
Visually Impaired
Valid CNIB card required |
FREE |
Monthly Transit Pass | |
---|---|
Adult | $40.00 per month |
Senior
Age 60 and over |
$30.00 per month |
Student
Age 20 and over with Student ID |
$30.00 per month |
Youth
Age 6-19 |
$5.00 per month |
Wasaga Beach residents may also choose to purchase a Monthly Universal Transit Pass for $120 per month. This pass provides unlimited access to Wasaga Beach Transit, Simcoe County LINX, and the Collingwood Transit System.
Transit passes are available for purchase at:
- Wasaga Beach Town Hall, 30 Lewis Street
- The Rec Plex, 1724 Mosley Street
- Wasaga Beach Public Library, 120 Glenwood Drive
Passengers are also able to purchase and re-load their transit passes using Smart Card technology. The Smart Card contains an embedded chip that is recognizable to an electronic reader on the bus and allows customers to pay their fare with a simple tap of a card. Smart Cards are available for purchase at both the Town of Wasaga Beach and Town of Collingwood Town Halls. Cards can be reloaded on the bus, anywhere monthly passes are sold, or online.