THUNDER BAY – “Today’s announcement of over $2 million of gas tax money brings our provincial government contribution for the City of Thunder Bay to over $12 million from the gas tax program. This funding for transit improvements allows the City financial room to invest in roads, bridges and other municipal requirements,” states Bill Mauro, MPP Thunder Bay-Atikokan. Ontario is helping to make public transit in Northwestern Ontario more convenient, accessible and comfortable for commuters by providing funding for public transit improvements. This year, the Thunder Bay Transit Authority will receive $2,020,280 in provincial funding for municipal transit improvements. Last year, Thunder Bay invested their allocation in the purchase of two 40-foot fully accessible conventional Transit buses, and two specialized buses for HAGI Community Services for Independence.
Mayor Hobbs comments, “The City of Thunder Bay appreciates the continuing support of the Government of Ontario for our fully accessible Transit service.”
Through these investments, Ontario is helping municipalities expand and improve their public transit systems. Better transit encourages more people to leave their cars at home, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improves quality of life for Ontarians.
“I’m delighted to see this funding for the City of Thunder Bay and two other communities in my riding. These annual investments by the province are key to ensuring that our transit systems here in the north can continue to improve and grow, creating more jobs and greener methods of transportation,” enthused Michael Gravelle, MPP Thunder Bay-Superior North.