Brampton set to receive $23.5 million in transit funding from Queen’s Park

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Published March 2, 2021 at 3:33 pm

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Brampton is set to receive $23.5 million to help keep transit operations up and running during the pandemic.

The funding comes by way of the provincial government to offset the drop in ridership the past year which has had a significant impact on the revenue for municipalities across Ontario. In some areas the drop off has been 90 percent from normal levels.

“This is great news for Brampton,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton South “COVID-19 continues to impact our transit system and this additional funding will ensure local transit can continue to operate and provide a vital service for those who need it.”

In addition, Ontario is calling on the federal government to match the funding to help ensure municipal financial needs continue to be met.

The funding is part of the Safe Restart Agreement where municipalities need to work with the province to explore options to ensure local transit is safe, sustainable, affordable and integrated, both during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

To support this work, Ontario is allowing municipalities to use Safe Restart Agreement funding towards new initiatives to make it easier and more affordable to travel between different transit systems, like adding capacity for on-demand microtransit and increasing fare and service integration across the region.

“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,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “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 can get to work or pick up essential items.”

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