Ontario Investing $17 million in York Region Transit
Provincial gas tax funding will help operate and expand local public transit services
NEWMARKET — The Ontario government is investing over $17 million to support public transit in York Region through the 2024-25 Gas Tax program. This funding can be used to expand service hours, increase routes, purchase new vehicles and improve accessibility to increase transit ridership.
“This funding is great news for people not only in Newmarket—Aurora, but across York Region” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket—Aurora. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we are investing in local transit to give York Region residents more ways to connect with work, school and the people and places that matter most to them.”
The Ontario government is investing over $380 million in 106 municipalities across Ontario to improve local transit through the Gas Tax program.
“On behalf of York Regional Council and The Regional Municipality of York, I want to thank the Government of Ontario for this important investment in public transit. With more than 1.26 million residents and significant growth on the horizon, reliable and accessible transit is essential to keeping our communities and our economy moving,” said Eric Jolliffe, Chairman and CEO of the Regional Municipality of York. “This funding supports the day-to-day operation of York Region Transit and helps us deliver the safe, seamless and sustainable service our residents rely on. We value the province’s ongoing partnership in building a stronger, more connected York Region.”
“No matter where you live, workers and families deserve access to fast, reliable and affordable public transit that connects them to good jobs and housing,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Our government will continue to work with municipalities in every corner of our province to improve their transit systems so they can provide the services Ontarians depend on for decades to come.”
For 2024-25, municipal Gas Tax allocations have been maintained at 2023-24 levels. In addition to the Gas Tax program, the government supports municipal transportation projects through the Connecting Links program and the Ontario Transit Investment Fund.
QUOTES
“This funding will support a stronger, more accessible transit system for the people of Vaughan–Woodbridge. Investments like these ensure residents have reliable options to get to work, school, and essential services. Our government remains committed to building connected, thriving communities across Ontario.”
Michael Tibollo,
MPP Vaughan–Woodbridge
“Our government is making it easier for people in York Region to get where they need to go. This investment strengthens our community by making public transit more reliable, cutting down commute times, and giving families better access to the services and opportunities that matter most.”
Billy Pang,
MPP Markham–Unionville
“As part of the 2024-25 Gas Tax funding, I’m proud to share that York Region will receive over $17.7 million to support and strengthen our local transit systems. This investment will help enhance service reliability, improve infrastructure, and keep our growing communities moving safely and efficiently. Our government remains committed to building a connected, accessible, and sustainable transit future for all residents of Markham—Thornhill and across York Region.”
Logan Kanapathi
MPP Markham–Thornhill
“This funding is great news for people in Thornhill and all across York Region. Thanks to Premier Ford’s leadership, our government is continuing to prioritize investments in local transit. This funding will go a long way in enhancing public transportation—making it easier, more convenient, and more accessible for people to get to work, school, and connect with their communities. It’s all about giving people better options and improving quality of life across the region.”
Laura Smith
MPP Thornhill
“We’re keeping Ontario moving with yet another investment into our transit system in York Region. With support from the Gas Tax funding program, we’re helping municipalities invest in their transit networks. This funding can be used to help enhance public transit, invest in critical infrastructure, and help improve the reliability of the regions’ transit.”
Paul Calandra
MPP Markham—Stouffville
“I have heard loud and clear from commuters in King and Vaughan that it’s time to put an end to standstill gridlock. Our government is mobilizing all-hands-on-deck to get Ontarians moving by delivering the largest public transit infrastructure expansion in North America — including by bolstering public transit in York Region by adding net-new routes and supplying high-tech vehicles to meet rising demand. From substantial upgrades at the King City, Maple and Rutherford GO stations and our government’s introduction of the ‘One-Fare’ program saving transit-users $1,600 every year — we are committed to delivering reliable and affordable public transit for workers and families in our community.”
Stephen Lecce
MPP King—Vaughan
“Public transit is a key driver of economic growth in Ontario, helping people get to where they need to go, whether it is to work, school, or run errands. As more people return to public transit, our government is providing municipalities with the funding they need to accommodate growing ridership, while ensuring they can continue to deliver safe and reliable transit service for people in their communities.”
Caroline Mulroney
MPP York—Simcoe
QUICK FACTS
- The 2024-25 Gas Tax program supports public transit systems in 106 municipalities, representing 93 per cent of all Ontarians.
- The Gas Tax program provides $0.02 per litre of gasoline sold in Ontario to support municipal transit systems.
- Municipalities may use Gas Tax funding for transit operating and capital costs.