Health News For South West
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Ministry of Transportation
Improving Transportation for Youth, Seniors, Persons Living With Disabilities
Ontario has a new pilot grant program to improve community transportation services for seniors, persons living with disabilities, youth, and other members of the community who need transportation.
Eleven municipalities have been selected to receive up to $100,000 to provide better transportation services through the sharing and coordination of community transportation resources. The Community Transportation Pilot Grant Program provides funds to municipalities to partner with community organizations, such as health and community agencies, transit agencies, school-bus operators and private transit operators, to co-ordinate local transportation services, so more rides can be provided to more people, and to more destinations.
This program is part of the Ontario government's commitment to provide support to help seniors stay healthy and stay at home longer. It will also improve transportation services, options, and resources for everyone in the community, such as students and youth who need to get to school, persons living with disabilities, or those in rural areas where amenities and services are too far to reach without a car.
Investing in public transportation is part of the government's economic plan for Ontario. The four part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
Quick Facts:
- The Community Transportation Pilot Grant Program launched on Nov. 25, 2014, and closed on Jan. 30, 2015, with a total of 54 applications submitted across Ontario.
- Up to $1 million in funding will be provided from April 1, 2015, to March 31, 2017, with a maximum grant amount per eligible project of $100,000.
- After March 31, 2017, the funded community transportation services will be evaluated to determine the effectiveness of coordinated community transportation as a service delivery model.
Background Information:
Additional Resources:
Quotes:
"The government of Ontario is committed to ensuring better access to transportation services for all residents, so that they can stay connected to their communities and maintain an active lifestyle. Our transportation investments like the Community Transportation Pilot Grant Program help build stronger communities."
— Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation
"This program is great news for Ontarians, including seniors. Every one of the funded projects will serve seniors and provide them with transportation services so that they can access essential services and community resources and maintain healthy, active and engaged lives."
— Mario Sergio, Minister Responsible for Seniors Affairs
Media Contacts:
Patrick Searle
Minister’s Office
416-327-1815
Bob Nichols
Communications Branch
416-327-1158
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