Government Boosts Transit Funding for North Bay
January 9, 2019North Bay — Today, Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, announced that Ontario’s Government for the People is providing more funding to North Bay to enhance and expand the local transit system.
“Our government is investing in public transit in order to make travel throughout the city more convenient and attract even more riders,” said Fedeli. “Ontario’s Gas Tax program will help improve North Bay’s transit system which will help improve the environment, and at the same time make life easier for people travelling to and from work, school and appointments.”
As part of this fiscal year’s gas tax funding, North Bay is receiving $895,808 to support upgrades and enhancements that could include major transit infrastructure projects, buying more buses, adding new routes, extending hours of service, or improving accessibility.
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’s total population.
Funding for Ontario’s 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.
“Our government is working to making life better and more affordable for the people of Ontario. That’s why we’re making important investments in public transit, lowering taxes, reducing red tape and ensuring Ontario is open for business” said Fedeli.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- The share that each municipality receives under Ontario’s 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.
- 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.