Ontario Investing $17,776,683 in York Region Transit

Provincial gas tax funding will help operate and expand local public transit services

THORNHILL — The Ontario government is supporting transit in York Region with a $17,776,683 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.

“With this investment from the Gas Tax program, we are not just expanding routes and purchasing vehicles – we are creating opportunities, fostering growth, and keeping people connected to work, school, and loved ones. This initiative, combined with our government’s One Fare program, are instrumental in building a stronger, and more connected Ontario for generations to come.” said Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill.

“This investment is fantastic news for transit riders in York Region,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket—Aurora. “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.”

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.

“As one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario, York Region’s more than 1.2 million residents rely on safe and efficient transportation options to access work, home, school and other destinations throughout our communities,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “On behalf of York Regional Council and The Regional Municipality of York, I extend thanks and appreciation to the Government of Ontario for their continued support and investment in our transit system. Through the 2023-2024 Gas Tax program, we can reinvest tax dollars into transit enhancements and connect residents across York Region.”

“No matter where you live, Ontarians deserve access to fast, reliable and affordable public transit,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Our government is helping municipalities improve their transit systems now and for decades to come.”

Quick Facts

  • The 2023-24 Gas Tax program will help fund public transit in 102 municipalities serving 140 communities across the province, representing 94 per cent of all Ontarians.
  • Funding for the Gas Tax program is set by the number of litres of gasoline sold in the province during the previous fiscal year.
  • For every litre of provincial gas tax revenue collected in the previous fiscal year, two cents are allocated to the Gas Tax program.
  • Municipal Gas Tax funding allocations are calculated based on total transit ridership (70 per cent of funding) and population (30 per cent of funding), both of which fluctuate from year to year.
  • Funding allocations are capped at a maximum of 75 per cent of a municipality’s transit spending.
  • Municipalities may use the funding for transit operating and/or capital expenditures.