The Ontario government will invest $1,924,811 million in Windsor under the 2009 Ontario Bus Replacement Program (OBRP).

Created in 2007 to improve public transit service and increase ridership and accessibility, OBRP provides long-term, sustainable transit funding that municipalities such as Windsor can use to replace conventional and specialized transit buses.

Since 2003, the McGuinty government has invested $7.4 billion to support public transit across Ontario, which has contributed to:

• An increase in transit rider ship of 102 million passenger trips
• A reduction of 85 million car trips, reducing traffic congestion, and allowing people and goods to move more quickly
• A reduction of 350,000 tones of greenhouse gas emissions

QUOTES

“The McGuinty government is making record investments in public transit,” said Jim Bradley, Minister of Transportation. “We want to get more people out of single-occupant cars and onto transit. Transit investments improve the air we breathe and support our fight against climate change.”

“Our government has made vast improvements to public transit, in order to encourage people to go green,” said Windsor West MPP, Sandra Pupatello. “Windsor residents and commuters will be happy to see these newer, more efficient and accessible buses, which ultimately means improved transit services.”

"Public transit plays an important role both economically and socially,” said Dwight Duncan, MPP Windsor-Tecumseh. “It provides the backbone of an economy by keeping people and goods moving efficiently. It also provides access to travel for people in Windsor no matter who they are. We are pleased to be making the kinds of investment that are required to make Ontario's economy more competitive."

QUICK FACTS

§In 2009, OBRP funding is expected to help support the planned, province-wide replacement of 470 municipal transit buses.

§This year, 47 municipalities across Ontario will receive OBRP funding for their planned transit bus replacements.

§Annual OBRP funding is capped at $50 million.

§Since 2003, the Ontario government has invested $7.4 billion in public transit – $69 Million in Windsor.

LEARN MORE

Read more about the Government’s commitment to improve transit

Read Go Green, Ontario’s Action Plan on Climate Change.

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For further information Contact:

Leigh-Ann Popek Alicia Johnston

Office of Hon. Sandra Pupatello Office of Hon. Dwight Duncan

416-325-0362 416-325-3645