Windsor and Tecumseh transit get $4.6M funding boost from province

Transit services in Windsor and Tecumseh are receiving a major funding boost from the provincial government.

MPP Andrew Dowie (PC — Windsor-tecumseh) on Thursday announced more than $4.6 million for the local transit systems through Ontario's gas tax program.

Windsor will receive roughly $4.46 million, and Tecumseh will receive about $176,000. The funding is in the process of being dispersed.

“The Ontario Government's investment in Transit Windsor and Tecumseh Transit keeps our residents connected to their families, friends, services and workplaces across our municipal boundaries,” said Dowie in a news release.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government will keep investing in our local transit systems to drive our economic growth, make travel more convenient, and connect our residents to the great people that keep our quality of life strong.”

The funding can be used to expand hours, increase routes, buy new vehicles, and improve accessibility to increase transit ridership.

Through the gas tax program, the province is giving nearly $380 million to 102 municipalities this year for improvements to local transit.

“We are appreciative of the generous $4.4 million investment by the provincial government into our transit system,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens in a written statement.

Funding for the gas tax program is set by the number of litres of gasoline sold in the province during the previous fiscal year. Two cents are allocated to the program for every litre of provincial gas tax revenue collected, the province said.

“Investments like this enable the town to continue to provide an affordable means of transportation to ensure access to goods, services, and amenities for residents and visitors,” said Tecumseh Mayor Gary Mcnamara in a written statement.