As part of Ontario’s gas tax program, the province has allocated millions of dollar to help improve public transit in London and West Elgin.

London will be given $11,052,415, and West Elgin will get $35,454, according to a statement from Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton.

The recipients will have a lot of leeway with this funding. The province says it can be used to extend service hours, purchase new vehicles, add different routes, improve accessibility, or upgrade local infrastructure.

The gas tax program supports local transit in 107 municipalities across Ontario – area which represent more than 92% of Ontarians.

For 2022-2023, Ontario is providing more than $379.5 million in total.

The amount is determined by the number of litres of gasoline sold in the province during the previous year according to the province. Municipalities that offer public transit services receive two cents per litre of provincial gas tax revenue collected.

An additional $80 million is being contributed this year to help make up for reduced gas sales during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our government knows that transit is essential to the success of our communities, connecting people and families to jobs, housing and wherever they need to go,” McNaughton said.

“As more people return to public transit, our government is providing municipalities with the funding they need to accommodate growing ridership, while ensuring they can continue to deliver safe and reliable transit service for people in their communities,” said Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney.