Ontario Provides More Money for Public Transit in York Region

Province tops up gas tax funding to make up for lower gas sales

Stouffville – The Ontario government is providing more money to support the expansion and improvement of public transit services in York Region. The funding is part of the province’s gas tax program which will allocate more than $379.5 million to help 107 municipalities operate and improve local transit. The funding for York Region is as follows:

  • York Region – $17,161,653

“Municipal transit systems are critical to the success of our communities, connecting people to jobs, housing and local businesses faster,” said Paul Calandra, MPP for Markham-Stouffville. “Our government continues to step up to provide the funding municipalities needs to ensure transit remains a safe and reliable option in Markham-Stouffville and across Ontario.”

Funding for the gas tax program is determined by the number of litres of gasoline sold in the province during the previous year. Municipalities that support public transit services in their community receive two cents per litre of provincial gas tax revenue collected.

To make up for reduced gas sales due to ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s gas tax program includes one-time additional funding of $80 million to help ensure municipalities can continue to support their transit systems.

“Public transit is a key driver of economic growth in Ontario, helping people get to where they need to go, whether it is to work, school, or run errands,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “As more people return to public transit, our government is providing municipalities with the funding they need to accommodate growing ridership, while ensuring they can continue to deliver safe and reliable transit service for people in their communities.”

Gas tax funding can be used to extend service hours, buy transit vehicles, add routes, improve accessibility or upgrade local infrastructure.

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“Great news for the residents of York Region who deserve access to reliable transportation. This funding of more than $17 million, which includes a 1% increase over last year, will help expand and improve local public transit so more people, including those in Newmarket and Aurora, can safely get to where they need to go while reducing congestion and protecting our environment.” – Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket – Aurora

“As the MPP for Markham-Thornhill, I’m excited to share that our government is investing more than $17 million in public transit for York Region. This investment will improve transportation infrastructure, increase access to essential services and employment opportunities. By prioritizing public transit, we’re building a more sustainable and equitable future while creating a healthier environment for everyone. We are committed to making smart investments that benefit Ontarians and promote a better quality of life for all.” – Logan Kanapathi, MPP for Markham – Thornhill

“Safe and reliable public transit systems contribute to livable communities and people’s quality of life. “The $17 million gas tax funding, which supports the expansion and improvement of public transit services in York Region, will better connect people and promote participation in society for people of all ages and abilities.” – Billy Pang, MPP for Markham – Unionville

“Improving public transit isn’t just about getting people from point A to point B – it’s about improving quality of life for everyone. Municipal transit systems are essential to the success of our local communities, connecting people and families to jobs, housing and wherever they need to go. I am proud of our government for continuing to step up to the plate and provide funding so that transit remains a safe and reliable option for Ontarians.” – Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill

“I am pleased to announce that the Ontario government is investing more in the expansion and improvement of public transit services in York Region. The funding provided through the gas tax program will enable our local municipalities to operate and improve transit, making it more accessible and convenient for residents. This investment will help build a stronger and more connected community, and I am proud to be a part of a government that prioritizes the needs of its people.” – Daisy Wai, MPP for Richmond Hill

Media Contact:

Nicholas Quadrini

Office of Paul Calandra, MPP

Markham-Stouffville

nicholas.quadrini@pc.ola.org