Overview

With the return of the Northlander train, Ontario has created requirements to support the growth of rideshare services in some northern communities and help connect riders to the Northlander.

The designated communities are located along the Northlander train corridor between Gravenhurst and Cochrane, and in the City of Greater Sudbury.

The program starts May 19, 2026 and will run for one year.

Learn more about passenger rail in the North.

How to participate

To participate in the provincial rideshare framework (Northlander phase), you must be a rideshare operator company. Learn more about the eligibility criteria.

You need to submit an application for approval by email to rideshare@ontario.ca including:

  • a completed application form
  • the application fee
  • accompanying documents

To become a rideshare driver in the designated areas, you must contact an approved rideshare operator directly.

How to apply

  1. Review the program guidelines
  2. Complete the application form
  3. Submit payment by either:
    • credit card authorization form
    • bank draft mailed to the ministry
  4. Submit the completed form and accompanying documents by email to rideshare@ontario.ca

To get a copy of the application form and program guidelines, contact the Ministry of Transportation at rideshare@ontario.ca

We will review your completed application and provide a response within 20 business days.

Application fee

  • You must pay the application fee when you submit your application.
  • The Ministry of Transportation will begin review of your application once the full application fee has been received. Please allow time for processing.
  • The application fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application.

Eligibility

Rideshare operators must meet specific requirements related to:

  • drivers
  • vehicles
  • safety
  • insurance

You can find the full list of requirements in Ontario Regulation 136/26.

Program conditions

To pick up passengers in a designated area through a rideshare platform, all of the following must apply:

  • the rideshare operator must be approved
  • all rideshare drivers and vehicles must meet the requirements in the regulation.

Evaluation and reporting

If you are an approved rideshare operator, you must complete quarterly reports to the Ministry of Transportation. The ministry may also periodically ask you for additional information to support evaluation and monitoring.

The information collected will be used to:

  • administer and enforce the regulation and the Highway Traffic Act
  • evaluate the framework
  • analyze road safety, collisions and safety incidents
  • monitor accessibility and service availability
  • support transportation system planning and congestion management
  • evaluate transportation connectivity in the designated area
  • support any other purpose that authorized by the regulation or Highway Traffic Act

Learn more details about quarterly reporting in section 9 of the program guidelines, available from the Ministry of Transportation.

The Registrar may conduct or authorize an audit of a rideshare company to determine whether that rideshare operator is complying with the regulation.

Designated areas

The designated areas for the provincial rideshare framework (Northlander phase) are:

  1. Township of Algonquin Highlands
  2. Township of Armour
  3. Township of Armstrong
  4. Township of Black River-Matheson
  5. Township of Bonfield
  6. Town of Bracebridge
  7. Township of Brethour
  8. Village of Burk’s Falls
  9. Municipality of Callander
  10. Municipality of Calvin
  11. Township of Casey
  12. Township of Chamberlain
  13. Municipality of Charlton and Dack
  14. Township of Chisholm
  15. Town of Cobalt
  16. Town of Cochrane
  17. Unorganized Territory of Cochrane, South West Part, in the District of Cochrane
  18. Unorganized Territory of Cochrane, South East Part, in the District of Cochrane
  19. Unorganized Territory of Cochrane, North Part, in the District of Cochrane
  20. Township of Coleman
  21. Municipality of East Ferris
  22. Town of Englehart
  23. Township of Evanturel
  24. Township of Fauquier-Stricklan
  25. Township of Gauthier
  26. Township of Georgian Bay
  27. Town of Gravenhurst
  28. Township of Harley
  29. Township of Harris
  30. Town of Hearst
  31. Township of Hilliard
  32. Township of Hudson
  33. Town of Huntsville
  34. Town of Iroquois Falls
  35. Township of James
  36. Township of Joly
  37. Town of Kapuskasing
  38. Town of Kearney
  39. Township of Kerns
  40. Town of Kirkland Lake
  41. Township of Lake of Bays
  42. Township of Larder Lake
  43. Town of Latchford
  44. Township of Machar
  45. Municipality of Magnetawan
  46. Township of Matachewan
  47. Township of Mattawa
  48. Township of Mattice-Val Côté
  49. Township of McGarry
  50. Township of McMurrich/Monteith
  51. Township of Minden Hills
  52. Township of Moonbeam
  53. Town of Moosonee
  54. Township of Muskoka Lakes
  55. Township of Nipissing
  56. Unorganized Territory of Nipissing, South Part, in the District of Nipissing
  57. Unorganized Territory of Nipissing, North Part, in the District of Nipissing
  58. City of North Bay
  59. Township of Opasatika
  60. Unorganized Territory of Parry Sound, North East Part, in the District of Parry Sound
  61. Unorganized Territory of Parry Sound, Centre Part, in the District of Parry Sound
  62. Township of Perry
  63. Municipality of Powassan
  64. Township of Ryerson
  65. Township of Seguin
  66. Town of Smooth Rock Falls
  67. Village of South River
  68. Township of Strong.
  69. City of Greater Sudbury
  70. Village of Sundridge
  71. Municipality of Temagami
  72. City of Temiskaming Shores
  73. Village of Thornloe
  74. Unorganized Territory of Timiskaming, East Part, in the District of Timiskaming
  75. Unorganized Territory of Timiskaming, West Part, in the District of Timiskaming
  76. City of Timmins
  77. Township of Val Rita-Hart
  78. Municipality of West Nipissing
  79. Municipality of Whitestone