Better Public Transit For Oakville

Ontario's Gas Tax Program is helping people in Oakville get out of their cars and onto public transit.

Support from the province is paying off for Oakville, allowing Oakville Transit to make significant transit improvements for local families and visitors to our community.

"We truly appreciate the funding support from the provincial government. This support helps facilitate the continued development of Oakville Transit and enhance the transit user's experience," commented Mayor Rob Burton.

For the 12th consecutive year, Ontario is providing support to Oakville to improve its public transit system. This year Oakville will receive $2,473,516 in gas tax funding. This funding has supported Oakville in:

1. Purchasing an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) that will provide customers with real-time bus information, enhanced accessibility technologies and performance management tools to better plan routes and service levels
2. Purchasing three new 30 feet conventional buses, two new paratransit vehicles (Care-A-van buses) and refurbishing eight 40 feet conventional buses
3. Installing security cameras at key locations (Oakville GO, Bronte GO, Uptown Core Bus Terminal) to enhance safety and security
4. Installing concrete walkways and landing pads at 39 locations across town to enhance bus stop accessibility

Ontario is building safe, reliable infrastructure to help create jobs and ensure a bright future for the province. Between April and September of this year alone, the province announced support for more than 200 projects that will keep people and goods moving, strengthen the economy, connect communities and improve quality of life. The 2015-16 gas tax funding builds on that progress.

Investing in transit is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

QUICK FACTS

1. In 2013, Ontario made its funding for the Gas Tax Program permanent to help municipalities improve transit.
2. One bus takes up to 40 vehicles off the road, and keeps 25 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions out of the atmosphere each year.
3. In 2014, there was an increase of more than 217 million trips on municipal transit systems across the province, compared to 2003. This is the equivalent of removing approximately 181 million car trips from Ontario roads.
4. Ontario's population is expected to grow by approximately 40 per cent by 2041, placing additional importance on having modern infrastructure to support a growing population.
5. Research shows that every $100 million of public infrastructure investment in Ontario boosts GDP by $114 million, particularly in construction and manufacturing sectors.