As gas prices soar - climbing past $1.40 per litre this week - more people are riding city buses, said Roger Sauve, manager of Greater Sudbury Transit.
“We are seeing increased ridership and that is good for our transit system,” said Sauve.
To give ridership a smoother ride, Greater Sudbury Transit received $1,265,400 from the province Thursday to replace aging buses and provide better transit service.
“Transit riders in our community will have improved transit service, including access to newer, more efficient and accessible buses,” said Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci at a funding announcement at Sudbury Transit on Elm Street.
The investment comes from the Ontario Bus Replacement Fund. In 2008, Ontario is investing $50 million in 47 municipal transit systems, providing up to one-third the cost of bus purchases, said Bartolucci. Since 2003, the Ontario government has invested $6.2 billion in public transit across Ontario. Greater Sudbury has received a total of $15.1 million, including $8.8 million in gas tax revenues since 2004, he said.
Mayor John Rodriguez said his municipality appreciated the funding boost from the province for transit, considering the high cost of gasoline.
“The more people that get on the buses, the less impact they have on our diminishing natural resources,” said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez said Sudbury Transit will be making some major, new service announcements next week resulting in better weekend service, for example.
“I have had a number of calls from businesses who have asked for better transit service for their employees on the weekend, especially on Sundays,” said Rodriguez.
Sauve said the money announced today contributes to the purchase of five new buses.
“The new buses have the features that make for a better more comfortable ride, high-backed cushioned seats, individual LED lighting, luggage racks, and a bike rack on the front, but also the newer, cleaner burning engine. The newer type engine is more fuel-efficient and eliminates a mid-life engine rebuild, which costs the city $100,000 per bus,” said Sauve.
Bartolucci said one way citizens can help the environment is by leaving their car at home and taking the bus instead.
“This provides a real savings to the environment, for the future, my granddaughter's future and future generations. That is why the $15.1 million we have invested here is so critical,” he said.
