Ottawa's beleaguered public transit system is getting a $27 million boost from the provincial government.
Municipal Affairs Minister Jim Watson says the new money will help OC Transpo repair the existing fleet and purchase new buses and equipment.
The money may also be used to purchase:
- hybrid buses
- bus engines
- security cameras
- bus shelters
- bus terminal lighting
- GPS and other communication systems
"We understand the importance of a high quality and efficient public transit system," Watson said.
Perfect timing
The extra funding comes as OC Transpo copes with a shortfall of buses and drivers along with a maintenance backlog.
Some peak bus routes are now running on a reduced schedule until April 2.
Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien says he is pleased with the timeliness of the announcement and welcomes the investment in OC Transpo.
New transit plan for the city
The cash comes days before the city plans to unveil its latest vision for mass transit in the Capital.
"We've got a solution that sort of stands out a little bit," O'Brien said of the new plan.
O'Brien says he hopes Ottawa will get more cash flow from the province to help support the multi-billion dollar plan, which is expected to be rolled out over several years.
Watson says he's willing to take a look at the plan but hasn't guaranteed any provincial funding.
"It's going to be very expensive and we recognize that, that's why we want to see obviously some kind of a phased in approach because everything's not going to be done overnight," said Watson.
With a report from CTV's Chris Day
