Statement to the Ontario Legislature (February 16, 2005)

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Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the house today. I am happy to announce that our government has made good on its gas tax commitment. We have invested $78 million in public transit systems across the province.

I can tell you that the program is already a major success.

Provincial gas tax funding is getting more people on public transit.

In the first year of the program, ridership is expected to increase by six million people. By the end of 2007 we expect to see the kind of service improvements that attract as many as 33 million new transit riders.

Our government is investing more than $1 billion over the next five years in public transit across Ontario. Seventy-eight transit systems across 105 communities will benefit over the next three years. I understand five more communities are interested in signing on.

Mr. Speaker, provincial gas tax funding gives municipalities stable, long term funding. Now they can better plan, and improve their transit systems so that more people will choose transit.

We know one bus can take 50 cars off the road. More people using transit means less congestion. It means cleaner air for everyone. We all benefit.

Here are some examples of what the gas tax is doing.

It's helping communities expand transit service. In fact, gas tax funding is helping transit systems across Ontario buy more buses. It's helping them buy more than 1,800 new buses over the next three years.

In Sudbury, gas tax has allowed the city to expand service for the disabled. It will run, not just on weekdays, but right through weekends.

In communities around the province, there are new buses on new routes for longer hours - and that is all due to the gas tax.

Mr. Speaker, these are the kinds of transit improvements that really count for commuters.

But don't just take my word for it.

The mayor of London, Mayor Anne Decicco says provincial gas tax funding is…

"…the kind of sustainable funding we've been waiting for. Now we can start planning for the future."

Ken Ogilvie, the Executive Director of Pollution Probe said, "We have been waiting for political leadership on this issue, and now we are getting it in Ontario."

This government is committed to increasing transit ridership. We know that by getting more people out of their cars it means less congestion, less stress, and a better quality of life.

Traffic delays cost Ontario. It costs billions of dollars every year. Mr. Speaker, through provincial gas tax funding, we are investing in public transit. We are investing in a strong economy. It's an investment in our communities and in our future.

Thank you.