Perth Wellington MPP Matthew Rae has announced funding for local public transportation initiatives.
Rae announced on April 19 a total of $882,000 to be split within his riding. This funding is provided through the province’s Gas Tax program.
A media release from Rae's office claims the provincial government is investing almost $380 million across the province to help 102 municipalities improve local transit through the Gas Tax program.
The media release also states that 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."
Funding for the gas tax program is determined by the number of litres of gasoline sold in the province during the previous year. For every litre of gas sold in Ontario in the previous fiscal year, two cents are allocated to the Gas Tax program.
“Public transportation is an important service in our rural communities,” said Rae. “The Gas Tax program continues to provide support to our rural municipal partners who deliver this vital service across Perth-Wellington. Our provincial government will continue to be there for our rural municipalities.”
“We are so pleased to, once again, receive these funds through the Gas Tax program,” said Martin Ritsma, Mayor of the City of Stratford. “This provincial allocation will support our excellent City Transit services and assist in offsetting our operating cost and capital expenses. This is especially important as we move towards the electrification of our transit fleet. Thank you MPP Rae and Minster of Transportation Sarkaria for your ongoing support.”
Gas Tax program funding as provided by the Ministry of Transportation:
North Perth-$80,090
Perth East-$73,121
St. Marys (Perth South)-$163,485
Stratford-$513,030
West Perth-$53,140