NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA MPP SAM OOSTERHOFF
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The Ontario government is supporting the newly consolidated Niagara Region Transit system with a $6,845,789 investment from the 2023-24 Gas Tax program. The funding can be used to expand service hours, increase routes, purchase new vehicles and improve accessibility to increase transit ridership.
"This investment is fantastic news for transit riders across Niagara," said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara.
"Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we continue to invest in local transit to drive economic growth, make travel more convenient and connect people to the things that matter most to them."
The Ontario government is investing almost $380 million across the province to help 102 municipalities improve local transit through the Gas Tax program. This year's Gas Tax program includes a one-time additional $3 million to ensure municipalities can continue to support and grow their transit systems.
"We are immensely grateful to the provincial government for their generous allocation of $6.8 million in gas tax funding," said Jim Bradley, Chair of the Regional Municipality of Niagara.
"This critical investment will empower us to enhance our region's infrastructure and better serve our residents. On behalf of Regional Council, I wish to thank the province for this funding that will be used to directly support public transit across Niagara."
"Provincial gas tax funding continues to be the best tool in our arsenal to continue to invest in transit services in Niagara and funding the expansion of those services that residents have told us clearly they want to see," said Mat Siscoe, Mayor of the City of St. Catharines and Chair of the Niagara Transit Commission.
"I appreciate, once again, the provincial government's contribution to moving our region forward."
On Jan. 1, 2023, the Niagara Transit Commission launched a newly consolidated regional transit system, serving riders across Niagara.
"No matter where you live, Ontarians deserve access to fast, reliable and affordable public transit," said Hon. Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation.
"Our government is helping municipalities improve their transit systems now and for decades to come."
Quick Facts:
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The 2023-24 Gas Tax program will help fund public transit in 102 municipalities serving 140 communities across the province, representing ninety-four percent of all Ontarians.
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Funding for the Gas Tax program is set by the number of litres of gas sold in the province during the previous fiscal year.
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For every litre of provincial gas tax revenue collected in the previous fiscal year, two cents are allocated to the Gas Tax program.
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Municipal Gas Tax funding allocations are calculated based on total transit ridership (seventy percent of funding) and population (thirty percent of funding), both of which fluctuate from year to year.
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Funding allocations are capped at a maximum of seventy-five percent of a municipality's transit spending.
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Municipalities may use the funding for transit operating and/or capital expenditures.
Additional Resources:
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