Collingwood will be getting provincial and federal help to replace six transit buses and add two more to its existing fleet over the next eight years.
Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson announced Collingwood will receive $1,575,342 from the province for its transit fleet.
The federal government will be adding $1,890,600 for the same project, leaving the town to cover $1,260,558 in estimated costs.
The plan, according to Collingwood’s public works and transit coordinator, Kris Wiszniak, is to replace six buses and add two for an expansion, which is yet to be determined. A transit study set for this fall will provide more information for possible future expansions.
The diesel buses will be purchased over an eight-year period. The funding will also go toward replacing power train components of six current vehicles.
“The town is waiting on the transfer payment agreement for execution and believe a portion of the funds will follow shortly after,” said the town’s treasurer, Marjory Leonard.
The money has already been allocated for the bus replacement and renewal.
The town has recently been notified Ace Cabs will no longer be providing an accessible shuttle service. Town staff confirmed an accessible shuttle service is not part of the eight-year plan so would not be covered by the recent funding announcement.
The funding for Collingwood’s transit service is part of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
Wilson also announced funding for Wasaga Beach, with $545,945 from the province, $655,200 from the federal government, and $436,855 from Wasaga Beach to purchase eight buses and construct transit shelters and bus stop improvements.
