A joint investment of C$7.8 million (US$5.8 million) from the government of Canada, the government of Ontario and the city of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, will support new electric buses, a charging station, diesel buses, paratransit buses and passenger vans for the city of Sault Ste. Marie.
The new buses will give riders with mobility needs greater independence and help them easily connect to community services. The city of Sault Ste. Marie will also upgrade its maintenance equipment and service vehicles.
“This is great news for Sault Ste. Marie," said Terry Sheehan, member of parliament for Sault Ste. Marie. "Investing in public transit infrastructure is fundamental to economic growth, reducing air pollution and creating inclusive communities, where everyone has access to public services and employment opportunities.”
“Under the leadership of Premier [Doug] Ford, our government is building a cleaner and more accessible public transit network across the province," said Ross Romano, member of provincial parliament for Sault Ste. Marie. "We’re investing historic amounts in municipal transit, including right here in Sault Ste. Marie, to deliver safer, more reliable transit options that connect people to things that matter most to them.”
The government of Canada will be contributing C$3.1 million (US$2.3 million) towards three transit projects in the city of Sault Ste. Marie through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream. The government of Ontario will contribute C$2.6 million (US$1.9 million) and the city of Sault Ste. Marie is contributing C$2.1 million (US$1.5 million).
“Transit is one of the most important municipal services and financial assistance from our government partners will help the city implement badly needed upgrades that will ensure we can better support the movement of people throughout Sault Ste. Marie – whether it be to and from work, appointments, essential or recreational services," said Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie Matthew Shoemaker.
