Sault Ste. Marie is receiving $44,803 from the province to help keep transit riders and operators safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, local MPP Ross Romano announced today.
This funding, part of $15 million in provincial support for 110 municipalities, will be used for enhanced cleaning of municipal transit systems as the province moves into gradually reopening.
“Health and safety is an absolute priority for our government. I am pleased to share that Sault Ste. Marie has received $44,803 to assist our city with cleaning operations associated with COVID-19 in our local transit system,” said Ross Romano. “Public transit is vital to local economies by ensuring that people can safely get to the places they need to. I would like to thank the city for working to ensure that people who utilize public transit will be able to continue to do so safely in the future.”
“I want to recognize the Ontario Government for supporting public transportation in Sault Ste. Marie.” said Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Christian Provenzano. “As a result of COVID-19, Transit Services has experienced decreased revenues – in addition to additional cleaning costs – as we prioritized the health of community members. This support from the province is a very helpful measure as we move towards increased ridership.”
“We recognize that municipal transit agencies across the province are facing significant financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “That is why we are providing funding for enhanced cleaning on public transit systems and continuing to work closely with our municipal partners to support safety on public transit.”
Today’s announcement is part of Ontario’s $17 billion action plan in response to COVID-19, providing urgent support to help Ontario businesses, workers, seniors, families, students, Indigenous peoples and communities, and vulnerable populations during COVID-19.
