Ontario is providing $3,715,392 to help ensure transit systems can continue to deliver safe and reliable transit services across the Region of Durham. The funding is a part of the Ontario government’s larger initiative providing 107 municipalities with up to $505 million in new federal-provincial funding through Phase 4 of the Safe Restart Agreement (SRA) funding.

“As public transit systems, like Durham Region Transit, continue to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, this 4th phase of funding will ensure local transit can continue to operate and provide a vital service to those who need it,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier. “This is yet another example of our Government’s commitment to work collaboratively with our municipal partners to support them as we continue to rebuild our economy together.”

The additional $505 million in funding will help municipal transit systems address costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic between February 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022. Municipalities will be able to apply this funding to cover revenue losses, operating expenses, and provincial transit priority projects, including fare and service integration, and providing On-Demand transit.

“As we continue to build Ontario, our government is stepping up and investing historic amounts in municipalities, including public transit,” said Premier Doug Ford. “This additional funding will help deliver safe and reliable public transit for local communities both now and into the future.”

“Ontario has been a leader in supporting its municipal partners and we will continue to champion their needs along with transit users across the province,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “This funding, on top of what

has already been provided, will help ensure reliable transportation options are available for everyone, whether you’re going to work, school or the grocery store.”

This funding builds on the more than $2 billion in dedicated funding for municipal transit systems that the Ontario Government, in conjunction with the federal government, has provided since 2020 to help transit systems across the province respond to the impact of COVID-19.

“I am pleased to see a significant investment for Durham Region Transit, which will allow us to improve and expand services for the benefit of our communities. This investment demonstrates our commitment to ensuring residents have access to reliable and efficient public transit options,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge.

“COVID had an impact on various transit systems throughout the province, including Durham Region Transit,” said Patrice Barnes, MPP for Ajax. “This funding will assist Durham Region Transit in recovering from the effects of the pandemic and continuing to provide safe public transportation for Ajax and Durham Region constituents.”

“This continued investment towards fare and service integration, as well as new projects is great news for Durham residents and Durham Transit users as we continue with the 4th phase of funding,” said Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham. “Ensuring that Durham residents have a safe, affordable, and efficient means of public transportation ensures that Durham’s local economy will continue to thrive and contribute to a stronger Ontario.”

Quick Facts

  • 107 municipalities across Ontario have been allocated funding through Phase 4 of the Safe Restart Agreement.

  • Allocations for Phase 4 of SRA funding include a base amount of $5,000 plus a remaining allocation amount based on actual impacts reported through the first three phases of SRA funding.

  • The Ontario government, in partnership with the federal government, has made up to $4 billion in one-time emergency assistance available to Ontario municipalities as part of the Safe Restart Agreement (SRA) since 2020. This funding includes over $2 billion already provided to municipalities to support public transit across the province.

About the Author

Bryen writes about local Durham community news, including regional events, municipality updates, entertainment, lifestyle, and the great outdoors. Email him directly if you want your business profiled or know a community member that deserves recognition - bryen@thelocalbizmagazine.com