December 17, 2007

Dombrowsky announces funding for Belleville Transit
McGuinty government pumps a share of gas tax revenue into local public transit

BELLEVILLE — The McGuinty government is investing almost $708,000 in Belleville Transit to help get more people out of their cars and onto public transit, Leona Dombrowsky, MPP for Prince Edward-Hastings, announced today.

“We are delivering on our ongoing commitment to transfer a share of the provincial gas tax into public transit in Belleville,” Dombrowsky said. “Increased transit ridership eases traffic congestion and reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions.”

In 2004-2005, the City of Belleville received $348,585 in provincial gas tax funding. Dombrowsky announced today that the City will receive $707,803 for 2007-2008. Belleville Transit operates nine routes across the urban area of the City, serving approximately 3000 passengers per day.

“We are grateful for this investment from the Government of Ontario,” said Stephen G. Hyndman, Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Belleville. “The provincial gas tax program provides funding that allows Belleville Transit to improve its level of service to the community.”

In 2007-2008 the Ontario government is providing $314 million in gas tax funding to 108 municipalities, which operate 86 transit systems across the province. The McGuinty government’s gas tax funding program has increased ridership by 23 million passenger trips a year since 2004 by helping to expand and improve transit services in municipalities across Ontario. This is the equivalent of removing 19 million car trips from our roads.

Related: Dombrowsky announces funding for Prince Edward County Specialized Transit Service