Ontario government will provide roughly $9.3 million to fund transit services in Durham, according to John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer.
The grant is part of the Gas Tax funding that supports public transit services across the province.
“As we focus on the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, we know that a strong integrated transit network is important for economic recovery and future growth. Investing in transit infrastructure is a key priority of our Regional Recovery Framework and Action Plan. Strong transit systems are key to creating jobs, stimulating the economy, connecting people to work and education opportunities, and providing a connected network that makes navigating Durham Region convenient, safe and reliable,” said Henry.
The Ontario government is providing $375.6 million to help 107 municipalities across the province operate and improve local transit. The funding is being delivered through the Gas Tax program and can be used to extend service hours, buy transit vehicles, add routes, improve accessibility or upgrade infrastructure.
“Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen how critical public transit is for frontline workers and for Ontarians who depend on these services to get to medical appointments, the grocery store and other important locations,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “Gas Tax funding remains a vital source of long-term transit funding that municipalities can rely on to help operate and expand existing public transit services – ensuring people have access to safe and reliable transportation when they need it.”
Funding for the Gas Tax program is determined by the number of litres of gasoline sold in the province during the previous year. Municipalities that support public transit services in their community receive two cents per litre of provincial Gas Tax revenue collected.
To make up for reduced gas sales due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s Gas Tax program funding includes one-time additional funding of $120.4 million to ensure municipalities can continue to support their transit systems.
Quick Facts
- The 107 municipalities receiving funding through the Gas Tax program deliver public transit service to 142 communities representing more than 92 per cent of Ontario’s total population.
- The provincial and federal governments are providing up to $2.15 billion to support municipal transit systems across the province in response to Covid-19 through the Safe Restart Agreement.
Ontario is developing regional plans that will help build a better transportation system across the province. The province has released draft regional transportation plans for Northern Ontario and southwestern Ontario, and planning is underway for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and eastern Ontario.