The Regional Municipality of York is getting a boost $17,776,683 from the annual provincial gas tax program.
That money can be used for transit initiatives like service hours, more routes and new vehicles. Dignitaries gathered in York Region May 3 for the announcement.
“The investment is fantastic news for transit riders in York Region,” Newmarket-Aurora MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy said in a news release. “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 province provides funding to all municipalities that operate local transit every year, with allocations based on local transit ridership (70 per cent) and population (30 per cent). Last year, York Region received $17,161,653.
In total, the government is investing $380 million across the province under the program.
“York Region’s more than 1.2 million residents rely on safe and efficient transportation options,” York Region chair and CEO Wayne Emmerson said. “Through the 2023-2024 gas tax program, we can re-invest tax dollars into transit enhancements and connect residents across York Region.”
York Region Transit has been mending since the pandemic significantly decreased usage. The organization has reported consistent increases since restrictions were lifted and was at about 95 per cent of pre-pandemic levels as of September 2023.
York-Simcoe MPP Caroline Mulroney said transit is a key driver for growth.
"As more people choose to ride public transit, our government is providing York Region with the funding needed to accommodate growing ridership, while ensuring they can continue to deliver safe and reliable transit service for people in their communities," she said.
In total, the gas tax fund will be used to fund 102 different municipalities.
“No matter where you live, Ontarians deserve access to fast, reliable and affordable public transit,” Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria said. “Our government is helping municipalities improve their transit systems now and for decades to come.”
