Local transit operations get boost from gas tax program

Local transit operations get boost from gas tax program

Provincial government funding to the tune of $379.5 million will improve local transit systems operated by more than 100 municipalities.

Delivered via Ontario’s gas tax program, local transit operators will use the money to purchase new transit vehicles, add routes, extend service hours, upgrade infrastructure, and improve accessibility.

“Public transit is a key driver of economic growth in Ontario, helping people get to where they need to go, whether it is to work, school, or run errands,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation, in a recent statement. “As more people return to public transit, our government is providing municipalities with the funding they need to accommodate growing ridership, while ensuring they can continue to deliver safe and reliable transit service for people in their communities.”

Funding for the gas tax program is determined by the number of liters of gasoline sold in the province during the previous year.

The province added an additional $80 million due to reduced gasoline sales as a result of the pandemic.

Here is a breakdown of funding locally:

Brantford $1,487,258

Brant County $280,774

Norfolk County $244,393

Tillsonburg $133,589

Kelly Paleczny, chair of the Ontario Public Transit Association, said she’s thankful for the funding that will help local transit systems continue to operate and provide high levels of service to more than one million Ontario residents who use public transit daily.

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