Created in 2007 to improve public transit service and increase ridership and accessibility, OBRP provides long-term, sustainable transit funding that municipalities such as Hamilton can use to replace conventional and specialized transit buses.

Since 2003, the McGuinty government has invested $7.4 billion to support public transit across Ontario, which has contributed to:

• An increase in transit ridership of 102 million passenger trips
• A reduction of 85 million car trips, reducing traffic congestion, and allowing people and goods to move more quickly
• A reduction of 350,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions

QUOTES

“Newer, more efficient busses will improve public transit for all Hamiltonians,” said Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP for Hamilton Mountain. “Today’s announcement builds on our commitment to reliable and accessible public transit for everyone in our city.”

“Investing in public transit is always the right thing to do," said Ted McMeekin, MPP for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale. "Public transit provides us with a cleaner environment, energy independence and a convenient way to travel."

QUICK FACTS

• In 2009, OBRP funding is expected to help support the planned, provincewide replacement of 470 municipal transit buses.
• This year, 47 municipalities across Ontario will receive OBRP funding for their planned transit bus replacements.
• Annual OBRP funding is capped at $50 million.
• Since 2003, the Ontario government has invested $7.4 billion in public transit.
• Hamilton will receive $5,382,279 in 2009 OBRP funding.