Canada, Ontario and Niagara invest in upgraded public transit

The governments of Canada and Ontario and Niagara Region announced more than $128 million in joint funding for eight Niagara Transit projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program in St. Catharines.

This funding will be used to purchase 124 conventional diesel buses to replace Niagara Transit vehicles that have reached the end of their life, supporting a modern, more convenient experience for commuters. The new buses will feature real-time tracking information, up-to-date bus times for riders, secure payment fareboxes and cameras to enhance public safety.

“Aging infrastructure is a growing challenge for communities across Canada. This federal investment of more than $50 million to renew Niagara’s bus fleet shows how our government is working with provinces and municipalities to provide the funding needed to keep communities moving,” said Chris Bittle, MP for St. Catharines.

The funding will also contribute toward replacing 30 specialized/paratransit buses, refurbishing three conventional diesel buses adding two vehicles to the specialized transit fleet, and developing a long-term growth plan for Niagara Transit.

“Today, we’re marking a milestone for commuters in Niagara Region by investing in transit infrastructure that will connect communities and make it easier for residents to get where they’re going with fast, reliable bus services. There’s never been a better time to take Niagara Transit, and our government will continue to protect Ontario with public transit investments that support our growing population and drive economic growth,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

The federal government is investing over $51 million through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Ontario government is investing more than $42 million and the Regional Municipality of Niagara is providing over $34 million in these projects.

“Regional Council has long recognized the importance of building a modernized, integrated, and efficient transit system that serves all of Niagara and connects our region with the economic opportunities of the GTA. Today’s investment will allow Niagara Transit to make valuable updates to allow its intermunicipal transit and paratransit fleet to meet the growing needs of Niagara riders for years to come,” said Jim Bradley, chair for the Regional Municipality of Niagara.

Featured image: (Government of Ontario)