Ontario Investing Over $4.6 Million Dollars in Windsor and Tecumseh Transit Systems
Provincial gas tax funding will help operate and expand local public transit services.
NEWS April 18th, 2024
Windsor — The Ontario government is supporting transit in Windsor and Tecumseh with a total investment of $4,638,826.00 investment from the 2023-24 Gas Tax program. The funding being delivered to the municipalities can be used to expand service hours, increase routes, purchase new vehicles,and improve accessibility to increase transit ridership.
The breakdown of funding for Windsor–Tecumseh is as follows:
- Windsor – $4,462,356.00
- Tecumseh – $176,470.00
“The Ontario Government’s investment in Transit Windsor and Tecumseh Transit keeps our residents connected to their familes, friends, services and workplaces across our municipal boundaries,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor–Tecumseh. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government will will keep investing in our local transit systems to drive our economic growth, make travel more convenient, and connect our residents to the great people that keep our quality of life strong.”
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 appreciative of the generous $4.4 million investment by the provincial government into our transit system.” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. “Acknowledging the remarkable growth of the City of Windsor, marked as one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities, underscores the necessity for a reliable and interconnected transit network. This infrastructure is vital for enabling seamless movement and ensuring swift and efficient transportation throughout Windsor. We extend our thanks to Premier Ford, Minister Sarkaria, and MPP Dowie for the support of Windsor’s transit system, as well as their ongoing dedication to fostering growth in Windsor-Essex.”
“Investments like this enable the Town to continue to provide an affordable means of transportation to ensure access to goods, services, and amenities for residents and visitors,” said Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara. “Thank you to the Ontario government for investing in transit and connecting people to the things that matter most to them.”
“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.”
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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Media Contact:
Mike Lesperance
Special Assistant, Andrew Dowie, MPP
Windsor-Tecumseh
Ph: 519-251-5199 Cell: 226-724-6978
Email: michael.lesperance@pc.ola.org