$16M invested in SW Ontario transit projects
The federal and provincial governments have announced funding for 11 transit projects in eight communities in Southwestern Ontario.
The total investment from both levels of government is more than $12 million. When combined with the funding delivered by the affected municipalities, the funding rises to more than $16 million.
By dollar value, the largest project is the addition of 14 zero-emission buses along with new software systems and upgraded passenger amenities in St. Thomas. That work is valued at more than $4.6 million.
Two projects in Woodstock, will see the purchase of two new buses, the expansion of a bus garage and storage facility, and the construction of an automatic washing facility. Those projects combined will be funded at more than $4.7 million.
“Continued rapid growth of the Friendly City has resulted in un-serviced residential areas where public transit service is not available,” said Woodstock Mayor Trevor T. Birch. “Expansion of the transit system will provide public transit service to currently un-serviced residential and employment areas of the city.”
Chatham-Kent public transit will add 10 new transit vehicles to expand service levels and upgrade its systems to include real-time location technology and new fare system technology. Additionally, upgrades to Chatham-Kent's main bus terminal and the installation of six solar powered bus shelters will further accommodate transit riders and advance the municipality's commitment to the environment. Combined, those three projects are valued at slightly less than $5 million.
“Chatham-Kent is committed to developing a transit system that is safe, affordable, reliable and accessible and this funding is essential to that goal,” said Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff. “By helping us purchase vehicles, rehabilitate our shelters and upgrade our technology, Infrastructure Canada is an important partner in providing this vital service to our residents. We are extremely grateful for the support and partnership.”
Other projects being funded include
- 11 new transit vehicles in Hanover,
- 10 new bike lockers installed in LaSalle,
- two new buses in Leamington,
- installation and resurfacing of pedestrian and bike baths in Point Edward, and
- a new paratransit van with a wheelchair lift in West Elgin.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $6.7 million in these projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Government of Ontario is providing more than $5.6 million, and the municipalities are contributing more than $3.9 million.