The Ontario government is committing $9.2 million for 10 Sarnia Transit projects over the next 10 years.
Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey made the announcement at the transit office on Michener Road on Friday morning.
The projects include fleet replacement, upgrades and expansion, stop improvements, garage and office renovations, and construction of a new east end terminal.
Bailey said residents including seniors, those on low incomes and students, will benefit greatly.
"It's just a great, positive announcement for the city and for its transportation system, and for the people that need it the most and will use it, " said Bailey. "International students are a big user of the system as they travel back and forth to Lambton College from their residences. It's really great news for Sarnia."
Mayor Mike Bradley said the city's attitude toward transit has shifted in recent years.
"In the last decade or so council has become much more cooperative and supportive, realizing that it is a social service," said Bradley. "The tens of thousands of users each year, in many cases that's their only form of transportation. They need it to get to their jobs, get to medical appointments, and all of those other things. So, it's pretty critical that we continue to offer this and continue to upgrade the service."
Projects totalling $27.6 million under the Canada Infrastructure Program will be funded by the municipal, provincial and federal governments with Ottawa's approval still required.
It's hoped that some of the work will begin as soon as this fall.
A breakdown of the funding announced for Sarnia Transit - Aug 16/19
