The Ontario government is supporting transit in Hastings – Lennox & Addington with a $677,337 investment from the 2023-24 Gas Tax program. The funding can be used to expand service hours, increase routes, purchase new vehicles and improve accessibility to increase transit ridership.
Hastings-Lennox and Addington MPP Ric Bresee was joined by representatives from Deseronto, Greater Napanee and Tyendinaga Township council outside of Deseronto’s town hall on Friday to make the announcement. That location also happens to be a stop on the Deseronto Transit line, which was launched early this year and links Greater Napanee to Belleville with stops in each community along the way. Of the total funding, $193,792 will go to support the bus transit program.
“This investment is fantastic news for ensuring the sustainability and enhancing transit availability in this region,” said Bresee. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we will continue to invest in local transit to drive economic growth, make travel more convenient and connect people to the things that matter most to them. I also recognize the amazing local organizations that have built and maintain transportation services throughout our small communities.”
The Ontario government is investing almost $380 million across the province to help 102 municipalities improve local transit through the Gas Tax program. This year’s Gas Tax program includes a one-time additional $3 million to ensure municipalities can continue to support and grow their transit systems.
“The town of Deseronto is thankful to the province of Ontario for their continued support of our transit program through gas tax allocation,” said Deseronto mayor Dan Johnston. “This funding will help us continue to improve on our program, while building valuable relationships with our neighboring municipalities, and providing much needed public transportation to our region and our residents.”
For a schedule and a full list if stops, visit https://www.deseronto.ca/residents/transit.
“We, at the Town of Greater Napanee are extremely grateful for the investment in transit the Province is making within our Municipality,” said Greater Napanee mayor Terry Richardson. “Funding through the Gas Tax Program has assisted us to form a partnership with the Town of Deseronto, our neighbouring municipality, and enabled us to provide a functional and viable transportation service which benefits both municipalities. Without the assistance of this funding, it would make it extremely difficult to provide quality public transit within our communities. Public transportation is integral to the health and growth of rural Ontario. Once again, thank you for the investment in our community.”
The breakdown of funding for Hastings – Lennox & Addington is as follows:
• Town of Deseronto – $193,792
• Loyalist Township – $198,449
• Marmora and Lake – $201,730
•Town of Bancroft: $83,303