Federal funds buy new downtown terminal, 20 buses, and garage upgrades in Sarnia

What happened

• Federal funding: $4,733,737 through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Public Transit Infrastructure Stream for three Sarnia transit projects.
• Where: Sarnia, Ontario. Announcing ministry listed: Ministry of Transportation.

What the projects do

• New Downtown Terminal

  • 1,400 square metres, two enclosed shelters, parking for eight buses.
  • Aimed at improving safety and the passenger experience.
  • Funding: Federal $800,000; Provincial $666,600; Municipal $533,400.

• Fleet Replacement & Expansion

  • Replace aging vehicles and expand the fleet with 18 diesel and 2 electric buses to raise service levels and reliability.
  • Funding: Federal $2,714,737; Provincial $2,262,055; Municipal $1,810,051.

• Transit Garage Renovations

  • Replace roof, two fuel pumps, three storage tanks, and 18 garage bay doors to modernize maintenance facilities.
  • Funding: Federal $1,219,000; Provincial $812,585; Municipal $406,415.

By the numbers

• Total federal contribution: $4,733,737
• Total provincial contribution (all projects): $3,741,240
• Total municipal contribution (all projects): $2,749,866

Why it matters

• These upgrades provide a new downtown terminal, more buses (including electric), and improved maintenance facilities, which are intended to improve safety, reliability and the rider experience in Sarnia.