The investment will also see Wi-Fi installed on 107 conventional and 20 para-transit buses and riders will be able to track their bus location and arrival time with a new Internet and smartphone application.
A new real-time trip management mobile app will also be available for para-transit users.
In addition, McKenna noted approximately 249 bus stops in Oakville will be upgraded to ensure full accessibility for riders.
“Public transit allows Canadians to get around in cheaper, cleaner and faster ways,” said McKenna.
“The investment in new buses, charging stations, onboard Wi-Fi and scheduling software in Oakville will improve the quality of lives of residents, get cars off the road and help electrify their transit systems. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country and builds stronger communities.”
Crawford noted it was a great day for Oakville Transit and said he was proud to be part of a government that is working collaboratively with federal and municipal partners, so residents will be able to get where they need to go safely and on time.
Anand said the investment is critical to the government’s efforts to continue to build healthy, sustainable and accessible communities.
“Efficient public transit ensures that people can get to school, can get to work, can access essential services and indeed other forms of transportation,” she said.
“This particular project will make Oakville Transit greater, more accessible and more convenient for our riders.”
Damoff noted that she has long been an advocate for public transit and the addition of electric buses to the Oakville Transit fleet.
She said the electric fleet would be quieter and would have a greatly reduced carbon footprint.
Burton said Oakville council took the steps necessary for the electrification of transit buses in 2011 by investing in the new bus garage and service centre, which features a higher roof and crane necessary for servicing electric buses.
“The funding from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program will enable us to leverage new technology and work to reduce our environmental footprint while enhancing transit infrastructure and meeting the needs of customers,” said Burton.
Oakville’s $17.6 million contribution comes as the Town struggles to close a $10 million budget gap that has been forecast for 2021 as a result of COVID-19-related impacts on revenue.
Burton said the situation is well in hand.
“I know how to handle this kind of problem and I have done it before,” he said.
“People don’t remember the Great Recession of 2008-2009 how we steered ourselves through that without a crisis unfolding. People can count on me and council to continue to deliver a smooth ride.”
Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
Across the province, Ontario is investing more than $7.3 billion in public transit infrastructure over 10 years through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 100 points in late-morning trading, helped by strength in base metal and utility stocks, while U.S. stock markets were mixed.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 103.40 points at 24,542.48.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 192.31 points at 42,932.73. The S&P 500 index was up 7.14 points at 5,822.40, while the Nasdaq composite was down 9.03 points at 18,306.56.
The Canadian dollar traded for 72.61 cents US compared with 72.44 cents US on Tuesday.
The November crude oil contract was down 71 cents at US$69.87 per barrel and the November natural gas contract was down eight cents at US$2.42 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$7.20 at US$2,686.10 an ounce and the December copper contract was up a penny at US$4.35 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16, 2024.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 200 points in late-morning trading, while U.S. stock markets were also headed higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 205.86 points at 24,508.12.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 336.62 points at 42,790.74. The S&P 500 index was up 34.19 points at 5,814.24, while the Nasdaq composite was up 60.27 points at 18.342.32.
The Canadian dollar traded for 72.61 cents US compared with 72.71 cents US on Thursday.
The November crude oil contract was down 15 cents at US$75.70 per barrel and the November natural gas contract was down two cents at US$2.65 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was down US$29.60 at US$2,668.90 an ounce and the December copper contract was up four cents at US$4.47 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 11, 2024.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was little changed in late-morning trading as the financial sector fell, but energy and base metal stocks moved higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 0.05 of a point at 24,224.95.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was down 94.31 points at 42,417.69. The S&P 500 index was down 10.91 points at 5,781.13, while the Nasdaq composite was down 29.59 points at 18,262.03.
The Canadian dollar traded for 72.71 cents US compared with 73.05 cents US on Wednesday.
The November crude oil contract was up US$1.69 at US$74.93 per barrel and the November natural gas contract was up a penny at US$2.67 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$14.70 at US$2,640.70 an ounce and the December copper contract was up two cents at US$4.42 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 10, 2024.
