Ontario Boosts Transit Funding for Municipalities

Transportation Minister Jeff Yurek announced that the Ontario government  will distribute $364 million to municipalities for their public transit systems. The money comes from Ontario’s gas tax program.

“We are investing in public transit to make it a more convenient travel option and to attract more riders,” said Yurek. “More public transit will cut through gridlock and get people moving.”

The money will be given to 107 municipalities that provide 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 make life better for the people of Ontario. Through Ontario’s gas tax program, the City of Toronto will receive $184,994,655 in funding this year to improve transit projects such as the TTC,” said Yurek. “This investment will help improve the daily commute for many who use the TTC to get around Toronto every day.” The Town of Milton will get $968,868.