For Immediate Release

February 29, 2008

Kingston Recieves Capital Funding For Transit Improvements
McGuinty Government Provides $1,213,893 Million To Upgrade Service

KINGSTON ­­– Ontario is granting $1,213,893 million to help improve public transit in Kingston, MPP John Gerretsen announced today on behalf of Transportation Minister Jim Bradley.

“Our government continues to invest in public transit in Kingston,” said Gerretsen.  “By working together, we are creating greener transportation options and fostering the next generation of economic growth for our community.”

Today’s public transit funding for Kingston was announced in the 2007 Economic Update.
The funding is aimed at helping public transit systems to modernize equipment and facilities and keep them in a state of good repair. Purchases can include:

• conventional and specialized transit vehicles, bus engines, bus shelters
• hybrid buses — more fuel-efficient and lower-emission vehicles
• security equipment — security cameras and terminal security lighting
• fare collection systems, communications systems and GPS systems. 

Since 2003, Ontario has committed $10,801,171 to help Kingston improve and expand transit. 

“Quality public transit service reduces single-occupant automobile trips, cutting traffic congestion and commuting times, and providing cleaner air,” said Bradley. “Our government is determined to help transit systems across Ontario ratchet up service. That’s why we are sharing the provincial gasoline tax with transit municipalities and have committed billions of dollars to build more and better transit systems.”

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For more information contact:
John Gerretsen, MPP
613-547-2385

or

Holly Wilson
Press Secretary
416-314-6739