FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
January 9, 2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ontario\u2019s Government for the People Boosting Transit Funding for Municipalities Support will Help Enhance and Expand Transit Systems Across Ontario <\/p>\n\n\n\n
TORONTO \u2013 Yesterday Jeff Yurek, Minister of Transportation announced that Ontario\u2019s Government for the People is helping municipalities across the province expand or improve their public transit systems with Ontario\u2019s gas tax program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are investing in public transit to make it a more convenient travel option and attract more riders,\u201d said Yurek. \u201cMore public transit will cut through gridlock and get people moving.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year, the province is providing $364 million in gas tax funding to 107 municipalities providing public transit service to 144 communities across Ontario. These communities represent over 92 per cent of Ontario\u2019s total population. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Funding for Ontario\u2019s gas tax program is determined by the number of litres of gasoline sold in the province. The program provides municipalities with two cents per litre of provincial gas tax revenues. Municipalities receiving gas tax funding must use these funds towards their public transit capital and\/or operating expenditures, at their own discretion, including upgrading transit infrastructure, increasing accessibility, purchasing transit vehicles, adding more routes and extending hours of service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur government is working to make life better for the people of Ontario. Through Ontario\u2019s gas tax program, the City of Brantford will receive $1,306,752 and the County of Brant will receive $119,749 in funding this year,\u201d said Brantford-Brant MPP Will Bouma. \u201cThis investment will help improve the daily commute for many who travel the riding every day.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00a0The share that each municipality receives under Ontario\u2019s gas tax program is based on a formula of 70 percent ridership and 30 percent population. These funds serve both the needs of large and small municipal transit systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Municipalities that contribute financially to public transit services are eligible for funding. Municipalities not currently providing transit can become eligible for funding if they start up fully-accessible transit services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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For more information, contact MPP Will Bouma at 519-759-0361 or will.bouma@pc.ola.org <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"