The City of Stratford has received $9.7 million in government funding to help modernize and improve the efficiency of its transit fleet.
Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae made the announcement on Monday in Stratford, with the money being chipped in by the local municipal government as well as contributions from the provincial and federal governments.
The funding will "be used to replace buses to improve the reliability, efficiency, and environmental performance of the transit fleet," according to a statement from Rae.
This includes replacing two older models with two 40-foot hybrid buses, two more 40-foot hybrid-electric buses, replacing two eight‑metre mobility buses, and adding a new 24‑foot mobility bus to the fleet.
Some of the money will also be used to support upgrades to local transit facilities within Stratford. That includes expanding and modernizing a transit garage, expanding a bus storage facility by 10,000‑square‑feet, and replacing fuel tanks and a bus wash system with newer, more efficient equipment.
Finally, there will be money used to enhance the GPS systems on certain buses, installing and upgrading 20 transit stops with shelters, and a new mobile app for the transit system.
"Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is investing $70 billion in the largest transit expansion in Canadian history so commuters here in Stratford and across the province can get where they’re going each day," Rae said. "The investments announced today and the recent addition of daily GO Train service will strengthen Stratford’s transit network and keep people moving as we continue our work to protect Ontario."
"This investment announcement and today’s event is another important demonstration of how effective partnerships can have a greater impact on a community; the residents we serve, and the environment where we live," added Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma.
