Ontario Provides More Money for Public Transit in the Region of Waterloo
Province tops up gas tax funding to make up for lower gas sales
WATERLOO REGION – The Ontario government is providing more money to support the expansion and improvement of public transit services in Waterloo Region. The funding is part of the province’s gas tax program which will allocate more than $379.5 million to help 107 municipalities operate and improve local transit. The funding for the region is as follows:
- Waterloo Region – $11,865,815
“I am pleased that our government recognizes that municipal transit systems, like Grand River Transit in Waterloo Region, are vital in connecting the residents in our communities to jobs, schools, housing, healthcare, recreation, and so much more,” said Mike Harris, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga. “This funding will go a long way to support the growing transit needs in our Region. I am glad that safe and comprehensive transit will continue to be a reliable and sustainable option for individuals and families.”
“Convenient and accessible public transit is an essential part of a thriving urban environment, and a key driver of economic growth,” said Jess Dixon, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener South-Hespeler.” Our government is stepping up to the plate to provide the funding that municipalities need to ensure that transit remains a reliable and growing option in our communities.”
“Our government knows that supporting public transit is more important than ever, as more people seek alternative methods of travel to school and work,” said Brian Riddell, Member of Provincial Parliament for Cambridge. “As our region grows, this year’s Gas Tax funding will help ensure that public transit is accessible, convenient and meeting the needs of those who rely on 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 ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s gas tax program includes one-time additional funding of $80 million to help ensure municipalities can continue to support their transit systems.
“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. “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.”
Gas tax funding can be used to extend service hours, buy transit vehicles, add routes, improve accessibility or upgrade local infrastructure.
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