June 12, 2007
Province Announces $5.4 Million To Replace Handi-Transit Vehicles In Manitoba Communities
Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Steve Ashton announced today that 65 municipalities across the province will receive $5.4 million for the cost of replacing handi-transit vehicles.
“The province is proud to support transportation services for mobility-disadvantaged people so they may participate fully in community life and live more independently,” said Ashton. “I am pleased to provide these funds for municipalities to purchase replacement vehicles.”
Municipalities participating in the province’s Mobility Disadvantaged Transportation program will receive the funds based on a formula that takes into account vehicle replacement cost and usage. Funding is being provided through a one-time payment to ensure resources are available when needed for a vehicle purchase.
Communities will have the flexibility to choose the type of vehicle that best meets the needs of their local handi-transit service and are encouraged to consider environmentally-sustainable options when making their purchase, the minister said.
This new funding builds on the province’s existing $1 million investment in handi-transit services through the Mobility Disadvantaged Transportation program, which provides one-time start-up grants to establish a handi-van service and one-time capital grants for the purchase of a vehicle. The province also provides annual operating grants for handi-transit services on a cost-shared basis.
Provincial funding for today’s announcement has been allocated from the federal Public Transit Capital Trust.
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