Updated at 11:30 a.m.: One bus takes up to 40 vehicles off the road and keeps 25 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions out of the atmosphere every year, the Ontario government said in unveiling the gas tax revenue allotments municipalities received this year.
Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault announced Greater Sudbury's allotment of $2.592 million at a press conference at the transit centre on Lorne Street this morning. Over 12 years, the city's total take of gas tax revenue adds up to nearly $29 million.
"This is crucial funding for the city, allowing Greater Sudbury Transit to make significant transit improvements for local families and visitors to our community," he said from the podium.
Mayor Brian Bigger was also on hand for the announcement. He thanked the province for the support.
"This investment of over $2.5 million will continue to improve transit in our community, something that this council has identified as a priority," the mayor said.
Original story
Greater Sudbury is getting $2,592,338 in gas tax funding from the province, MPP Glenn Thibeault will announce this morning.
Mayor Brian Bigger will also be in attendance for the news conference, which will be held at the transit centre on Lorne Street.
The funding this year is a slight increase compared to the $2,510,036 the city received last year. The money must be spent improving the local transit system.
In total, the province is providing $332.9 million in gas tax funding to 95 municipalities this year to help expand and improve public transit, an increase of $11.4 million from last year. Under a formula made permanent in 2013, Ontario shares two cents per litre of provincial gas tax revenues with municipalities to expand and improve public transit.
Since 2004, the province has allocated more than $3.4 billion in gas tax funding to communities across the province. Municipalities use the funding to enhance accessibility, purchase additional transit vehicles, add more routes and extend hours of service, making it easier for people to use public transit.
The size of the funding is determined by population, among other factors, meaning Toronto will receive $169,168,718 from the same fund, the single biggest allocation. Timmins, in contrast, will receive $620,409.
