Bold and Aggressive New Investment for Public Transit in Ontario: Moving in the Right Direction

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 14, 2014) - The transit industry welcomes Premier Wynne's landmark announcement today of new and repurposed dedicated funding for transit across Ontario. Totalling $29 billion over ten years, and divided almost equally between the GTHA and other parts of the province, the new measures serve as powerful tools to support the key role public transit plays in moving people efficiently in our communities and improving their quality of life.

"Many communities in Ontario, particularly in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), experience strong population growth and increasing transit demand. These new measures will help alleviate traffic congestion, provide more efficient mobility options and boost the economy, not only in the GTHA, but across the province of Ontario," said Norm Cheesman, CEO of the Ontario Public Transit Association (OPTA).

"Today's announcement shows strong leadership in support of public transit. New dedicated funding will provide transit systems and municipalities with the resources they need to make a tangible difference in peoples' lives," added Michael Roschlau, President & CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA).

Increasing funding for public transit represents a smart and long-term investment. In addition to reducing traffic congestion, improving productivity and reducing GHG emissions, each dollar invested in public transit generates three dollars in economic spin-off. In a submission last year, OPTA and CUTA recommended the government adopts new funding measures that are sustainable, predictable, dedicated and available to all Ontario municipalities.

"The announcement today is a bold step in the right direction. We will keep working with the government and all stakeholders to ensure all Ontarians benefit from high quality transit services," concluded Roschlau.

About OPTA:

OPTA is the provincial association whose members represent public transit systems, health and social service agency transportation providers, suppliers to the industry, and government representatives. For addition information, visit www.ontariopublictransit.ca.

About CUTA:

CUTA is the national association representing public transit systems, suppliers to the industry, government agencies, individuals and related organizations in Canada. For more information about the organization, visit www.cutaactu.ca.