Canadian officials announced more than C$735,000 (US$539,746) in joint funding for an upgraded vehicle fleet for Transportation West Inc., a non-profit community organization offering affordable transportation services for those in need in the West Prince region of Prince Edward Island.
This funding will support the purchase of five fuel-efficient vehicles: One seven-passenger van, two 10-passenger vans and two 14-passenger vans. Work will also include equipping the vehicles with wheelchair accessible ramps. These upgrades align with Transportation West Inc.'s long-term goals of transitioning to a fully electric fleet to help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and providing a sustainable transportation option for islanders in need.
"With this investment, we are ensuring that our most vulnerable populations' transportation needs are heard and met while also building the foundation of a cleaner future for Islanders. This is yet another example of the successful and ongoing collaboration between governments and local organizations on climate action,” said Bobby Morrissey, member of Parliament for Egmont, on behalf of Dominic LeBlanc, minister of intergovernmental affairs, infrastructure and communities.
"Dependable transit makes our communities stronger. It allows our residents to stay connected to their communities, so they can access employment and social programs, attend appointments, visit friends and family and maintain an independent and active lifestyle. This funding will ensure the availability and reliability of the service for the residents of West Prince,” said Ernie Hudson, minister of health and wellness and the member of the Legislative Assembly for Alberton—Bloomfield.
"Transportation West Inc. takes pride in our ability to provide safe, efficient and friendly transportation to those in need in communities across Western PEI. Newer, larger vehicles will help us meet our commitments to our community,” Sherry Tremblay, manager, Transportation West Inc.
The government of Canada is investing C$294,025 (US$215,927.55) for this project, the government of Prince Edward Island is providing C$244,996 (US$179,921.39) and Transportation West Inc. is investing C$196,041 (US$143,969.57).
The government of Canada's funding comes from the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
