Waterloo Region Secures Over $291 Million for Public Transit Enhancements, Including New Kitchener Central Transit Hub and Hybrid Buses

Major Investment Boosts Public Transit in Waterloo Region

Waterloo, Ontario – A substantial investment exceeding $291 million has been announced by the governments of Canada, Ontario, and the Region of Waterloo to enhance public transit services and infrastructure across the region. This funding, delivered through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, aims to increase access to public transit, reduce emissions, and improve service and accessibility for commuters. The announcement, made on December 17, 2025, outlines support for a total of nine projects.

The federal government is contributing over $115 million, the Government of Ontario more than $96 million, and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo is providing over $80 million towards these initiatives.

Kitchener Central Transit Hub: A New Regional Nexus

A significant portion of the investment is allocated to the construction of the Kitchener Central Transit Hub (KCTH). This multi-modal facility is designed to seamlessly integrate various transportation options, including active transportation, ION light rail, GO transit, VIA rail, intercity buses, passenger vehicles, and Grand River Transit.

Located at the corner of King Street West and Victoria Street North, the KCTH will serve as a crucial connection point, linking Kitchener to the greater Region of Waterloo and beyond. The hub will feature modern and accessible amenities such as Wi-Fi, advanced security systems, a central plaza, and integration with the local trail network. Additionally, the adjacent bus terminal at King Street and Victoria Street will undergo upgrades, including the addition of four bus bays and one mobility bus stop.

Construction on the Kitchener Central Transit Hub is anticipated to begin in 2025, with early work encompassing the King Street Pedestrian Bridge, road improvements to Victoria Street and Duke Street, rail improvements, and platform infrastructure. The Central Station is projected to welcome travelers by 2029.

Fleet Modernization with Hybrid Buses

The funding package also includes a significant upgrade to the Grand River Transit (GRT) fleet. The Region of Waterloo plans to purchase 56 hybrid 40-foot buses to replace existing diesel buses that are being retired. Furthermore, the investment will support the expansion of the fleet with up to 70 additional hybrid buses, bringing the total planned new hybrid buses to 126. This initiative aligns with the Region of Waterloo's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as GRT discontinued the purchase of diesel-only buses in 2020, opting for hybrid and electric alternatives.

Broader Transit Improvements and Accessibility

Beyond the Central Transit Hub and bus purchases, the investment will fund various other projects aimed at improving the overall transit experience. These include:

• Improvements for paths and pedestrian bridges.
• Enhancements to accessibility, commuter comfort, and safety.
• Upgrades to transit network planning, vehicle location and dispatching tools, fare payment, booking, transit safety, and fleet management systems.
• Improvements to bus stops, shelters, stand-alone benches, pedestrian crossings, and intersections across the Region of Waterloo.

Officials present at the announcement included Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for Waterloo; Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener—Conestoga; Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario's Minister of Transportation; Mike Harris, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener—Conestoga; Jess Dixon, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener South—Hespeler; Brian Riddell, Member of Provincial Parliament for Cambridge; and Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo.