Last updated: Apr 26, 2024
For Immediate Release
April 26, 2024
OWEN SOUND - The Ontario government is supporting transit in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound with a $1,052,544 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 in our community,” said Rick Byers, MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we will 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 breakdown of funding for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound is as follows:
Town of Hanover (including of Arran-Elderslie, Brockton, Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Hanover, Huron-Kinloss, Kincardine, Saugeen Shores, Southgate and West Grey) - $740,828
Municipality of Meaford - $65,797
City of Owen Sound - $245,919
“No matter where you live, Ontarians deserve access to fast, reliable and affordable public transit,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Our government is helping municipalities improve their transit systems now and for decades to come.”
“The gas tax funding directly supports Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit Corporation (SMART) on behalf of the Municipalities of Arran-Elderslie, Brockton, Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Hanover, Huron-Kinloss, Kincardine, Saugeen Shores, Southgate and West Grey,” said Hanover Mayor Sue Paterson. “SMART is an important service in our region, providing an accessible transit option for our residents to get to and from commitments such as medical appointments, community events and shopping.”
“These funds support Meaford Moves+ which is our Accessible Transit, providing door-to-door pick-ups and drop-offs,” said Meaford Mayor Ross Kentner. “For residents with disabilities this is such a valuable service.”
“Local public transit is an essential service in our community, helping people get to work, school, and medical appointments," said Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy. "This investment from the Province through the Gas Tax program will allow us to continue to provide a high level of transit service in Owen Sound while supporting our growing region.”
QUICK FACTS
The 2023-24 Gas Tax program will help fund public transit in 102 municipalities serving 140 communities across the province, representing 94 per cent of all Ontarians.
Funding for the Gas Tax program is set by the number of litres of gasoline sold in the province during the previous fiscal year.
For every litre of provincial gas tax revenue collected in the previous fiscal year, two cents are allocated to the Gas Tax program.
Municipal Gas Tax funding allocations are calculated based on total transit ridership (70 per cent of funding) and population (30 per cent of funding), both of which fluctuate from year to year.
Funding allocations are capped at a maximum of 75 per cent of a municipality’s transit spending.
Municipalities may use the funding for transit operating and/or capital expenditures.
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For further information, please contact:
MPP Rick Byers Constituency Office | Karen MacInnis | 519-371-2421 | rick.byers@pc.ola.org