Funding for two projects that will modernize and improve accessibility for Peel Region’s public transit system was announced by the Honorable Catherine McKenna, Canada's Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General of Ontario and Member of Provincial Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, on behalf of the Honorable Laurie Scott, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure; and Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair and CEO of the Corporation of the Regional Municipality of Peel.
The government of Canada is investing more than C$3.5 million (US$2.7 million) in these projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS) of the Investing in Canada plan. The government of Ontario is providing close to C$3 million (US$2.3 million) and the Region of Peel is contributing more than C$2.3 million (US$1.7 million).
One project involves the replacement of existing specialized transit buses with 69 new, specialized, 26-foot buses as the current fleet reaches the end of its planned service lifecycle. The new propane-powered buses, with side-mounted lift, will provide accessible transit in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon, and can carry as many as six wheelchair passengers.
The second project involves the adoption of the PRESTO electronic fare collection system across the Regional Municipality of Peel's TransHelp fleet. This project includes the design, planning, purchase and hardware installation of up to 145 portable, tablet-based, electronic payment units.
"These investments will help make sure there's accessible public transit, powered by lower-emissions propane, for residents across Peel Region, throughout Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon,” said Minister McKenna. “And by modernizing the public transit payment method to one already in use in other Ontario cities, we're giving TransHelp bus riders more options to make fare payment easier. Canada's infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities."
These projects will result in increased capacity, and improved quality, safety and access to the public transit system in the Region of Peel.
"Peel's goal is to create a place where everyone enjoys a sense of belonging and has access to the services and opportunities needed to thrive,” said Iannicca. “This funding supports initiatives that directly improve the service experience for passengers with disabilities and advances the modernization of specialized transit in Peel. It's an example of all levels of government working together to directly benefit the community by ensuring residents with disabilities can continue to travel without barriers."
All orders of government continue to work together for the people of Ontario to make strategic infrastructure investments in communities across the province when needed most.
