There’s a big boost coming from the Province for local transit.
The Ford Government says they’re providing a total of $150 million to help municipal transit systems.
Here in the northwest, Dryden is on the receiving end of $2413, Machin will get $1928, while Kenora is getting $33,570 and Fort Frances $13,007.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford says that the money will ensure Northwesterners have access to reliable and safe transportation when and where they need it.
“This is excellent news for the municipalities of Kenora-Rainy River,” says Rickford, “Our local community transportation commissions provide critical transportation services for seniors and front-line health care workers.”
Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney says that the funding is a response to municipalities, who told them that they needed more support.
“We heard from municipalities and we are responding to their need for more support as COVID-19 continues to result in lost revenue and additional costs for transit systems,” says Mulroney, “Transit operators have done an incredible job keeping transit operating during this challenging time, and this support will help ensure there is reliable transportation for people to get to work or pick up essential items.”
The Province tell us that during the peak of the pandemic, ridership across the province dropped by up to 90 per-cent of normal levels.
Ontario is providing $150 million to help ensure municipal transit is safe and reliable, both during #COVID19 and beyond. Funding is in addition to the $2 billion in Safe Restart Agreement funding already announced.https://t.co/PWkWODl3uL https://t.co/XGyonIT0jo
— Greg Rickford (@GregRickford) March 1, 2021
