The Ontario government is providing $1.5 million to support the expansion and improvement of public transit services in local communities, Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte, announced today.
In 2022, the City of Belleville will receive $842,922, the City of Quinte West will receive $532,608, and Prince Edward County will receive $115,736.
“Our government knows that supporting public transit systems is more important than ever as communities struggle to maintain service levels during COVID-19. That is why we have topped up this year’s Gas Tax funding to make up for reduced sales at the pump,” said Smith. “This money will help Bay of Quinte municipalities to expand and upgrade transit infrastructure that offer a reliable connection to social engagement, services and employment.”
To make up for reduced gas sales due to COVID-19, this year’s Gas Tax allocations include one-time additional funding of $120.4 million to ensure municipalities can support their transit systems.
The funding is part of the province’s Gas Tax program, which will allocate $375.6 million this year to 107 municipalities that deliver public transit. Municipalities that support public transit services in their community receive two cents per litre of provincial Gas Tax revenue for use to extend service hours, buy transit vehicles, add routes, improve accessibility or upgrade infrastructure.
Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk says the Gas Tax funds are used to supplement taxpayer support of existing public transportation including fleet renewal, accessible stops, accessible shelters and making the transit system more efficient and cost effective.
“This funding allows us to move forward with critical infrastructure upgrades that will improve the daily lives of our residents,” says Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison.
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 under way for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and eastern Ontario.
