Ontario Invests $9.6 Million in Durham Region Transit

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard

DURHAM: The Ontario government is investing more than $9.6 million in Durham Region Transit through its 2025-26 Gas Tax Program, providing funding aimed at improving public transportation services across the region.

The province announced that Durham Region will receive $9,633,396 to support local transit initiatives, including expanded service hours, additional routes, new vehicle purchases, and accessibility improvements designed to increase ridership and better serve residents.

Durham's funding is part of a province-wide investment of nearly $380 million being distributed to 107 municipalities through the Gas Tax Program. The funding is intended to help municipalities strengthen local transit systems and meet growing transportation demands.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is investing nearly $70 billion in public transit to protect Ontario by building a stronger, more resilient, self-reliant economy,” said Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria. “Today, we’re ensuring municipalities can continue to deliver safe and reliable transit services for their communities.”

Local MPPs welcomed the announcement, noting the benefits for Durham Region residents.

“This $9.6 million Gas Tax investment is a significant win for Durham Region, expanding transit options for residents who depend on public transportation,” said Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham. “Our government remains committed to supporting communities like Durham Region by making the infrastructure and transit investments needed to drive economic growth and keep people moving.”

Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering–Uxbridge, said the investment will help meet the needs of the region's growing population.

“By providing stable, predictable funding, our government is protecting Ontario and supporting safe, reliable transit that people in Pickering and Uxbridge can count on,” Bethlenfalvy said.

Durham Region Chair and Chief Executive Officer John Henry said the funding will have a direct impact on local transit users.

“Durham Region Transit plays a vital role in keeping our growing region moving. This investment through the Gas Tax Program is a win for transit users in Durham Region,” said Henry. “It will support service improvements and fleet modernization—making it easier for residents to get to work, school, medical appointments and stay connected to their community.” The Gas Tax Program is funded through two cents per litre of provincial gasoline tax revenue dedicated to public transportation under the Dedicated Funding for Public Transportation Act, 2013. Municipalities can use the funding for both operating and capital transit costs at their discretion.

The announcement comes as Ontario continues its nearly $70-billion transit expansion strategy, which includes major projects such as the Ontario Line, Yonge North Subway Extension, Scarborough Subway Extension, and Eglinton Crosstown West Extension.