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In advance of the budget, the Ford government announced a permanent reduction to the amount of gas tax charged at the pump. MTO has confirmed in writing to OPTA that the permanent reduction in gas tax at the pump will not impact the 2 cents per litre for transit.
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While not part of the budget per se, MTO has confirmed to OPTA several times in recent weeks that: (1) the gas tax for transit program no longer works as originally intended; (2) small and rural systems are hit particularly hard with big fluctuations if the 70/30 ridership to population formula is applied; and (3) the government is “going back to the drawing board” and re-evaluating allocations and methodology of the program for next year
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Continued commitment to One Fare – The provincial government is continuing the subsidy for transfers between the TTC and six connecting transit systems. The program, started in February 2024, was the result of years long work on fare and service integration, and comes with a price tag of $600 million per year. By comparison, the gas tax program – which is divided between 106 municipalities – costs $380 million.
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A focus on transit capital expenditures – $61 billion over 10 years – including a $758 million investment in new TTC subway trains, continued progress on light rail and subway projects and advancing GO 2.0 to expand on regional connections through the Greater Golden Horseshoe
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Reinstating the Northlander, which will provide safe and reliable transportation options between Northern Ontario and Toronto. The government is investing in platform reconstruction and installation of pre-manufactured shelters at specific stops
Media release
For Immediate Release
Ontario Public Transit Association Advocates for Urgent Transit Funding at Queen’s Park
Toronto (December 4, 2024) – The Ontario Public Transit Association (OPTA) is calling on the Government of Ontario to address critical funding gaps jeopardizing the reliability and affordability of public transit systems across the province. During OPTA’s Advocacy Day at Queen’s Park today, transit leaders highlighted the urgent need for sustainable provincial investment to support Ontario’s population growth and economic prosperity.
As ridership returns to pre-pandemic levels in most communities, transit systems are facing rising operating costs, aging infrastructure, and unprecedented population growth. Without immediate action, these pressures could lead to service reductions, fare increases, and stalled infrastructure projects – undermining the economic and social benefits that transit provides.
OPTA is advocating for an enhanced Dedicated Public Transit Fund (DPTF) in 2025 to address operational needs, replace aging vehicles, and modernize infrastructure. The association is also urging the province to match federal contributions under the Canada Public Transit Fund starting in 2026. This coordinated funding approach would ease financial burdens on municipalities, improve service reliability, and ensure affordability for transit users.
“Public transit is the backbone of Ontario’s cities and communities,” said Tony D’Alessandro, OPTA Chair and Director, Transit Services, Town of Milton. “Investing in transit infrastructure and services is not just a transportation solution; it’s a foundation for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to opportunities.”
Despite ridership growing by 28% between 2022 and 2023, operational funding has not kept pace. Many municipalities have been forced to deplete reserves, increase fares, or cut services—temporary measures that threaten Ontario’s long-term growth and affordability goals.
Transit systems in Ontario already operate with lean budgets and efficient practices, but the financial strain of serving rapidly growing communities requires increased provincial support. Past successes, such as the DPTF and the “One Fare” program in the Greater Toronto Area, demonstrate the value of strategic investments in promoting ridership and improving access. However, sustained funding is essential to maintain and build on these achievements.
As OPTA leaders convene at Queen’s Park, they are sending a clear message: provincial action is essential to preserve and enhance the transit systems that connect communities, reduce congestion, and drive Ontario’s prosperity.
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Media Contact:
Jon MacMull
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
macmull@cutaactu.ca
416-684-9808
Ontario Public Transit Association Advocates for Urgent Transit Funding at Queen’s Park
Toronto (December 2, 2024) – The Ontario Public Transit Association (OPTA) will host an advocacy day at Queen’s Park on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, to call attention to the urgent need for enhanced public transit funding in Ontario. OPTA representatives will meet with provincial leaders to discuss issues affecting transit systems, including operating funding shortfalls, rising service demands, and the need to replace aging infrastructure.
As ridership returns to pre-pandemic levels, Ontario’s transit systems are facing financial challenges that threaten service reliability and affordability. Without immediate action, these pressures could compromise key goals of the province’s growth strategy, including economic competitiveness and affordability for Ontarians.
🌟 Who: Ontario Public Transit Association (OPTA) representatives
✅ What: Lobby Day at Queen’s Park, advocating for fiscal sustainability in transit
📅 When: Wednesday, December 4, 2024
📍 Where: Queen’s Park, Toronto, Ontario
Media Opportunities:
✔️ Interviews with OPTA leadership on the state of Ontario’s transit systems and funding challenges, outside of Queen’s Park or virtually in the days after.
✔️ Photo opportunities with transit representatives advocating at Queen’s Park.
✔️ Insights into how enhanced transit funding can benefit Ontarians and support the province’s economic development goals.
Contact:
Jon MacMull
Director of Communications and Public Affairs, CUTA
416-684-9808
