One of the buses in the Saint John Transit fleet. (Staff photo)
The province says municipal transit services will receive approximately $1.6 million in funding for relief of the economic impacts of COVID-19.
The funding is split between the federal and provincial governments, and will be shared between Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John’s city transit services.
Fredericton will see the largest chunk of the funding with $670,000 going to the capital city. Moncton will receive $500,00, while Saint John will collect $400,000.
Saint John Transit had previously announced a $500,000 deficit was expected in 2020. It is still unclear whether this funding will offset a request this summer for the service to cut a further $250,000.
In a statement issued October 30, Saint John Mayor Don Darling said he was pleased with the funding announcement.
“This is a great example of how our provincial and federal Governments work effectively to support the needs of those in our community,” he said. “The provision of reliable Transit service benefits us as individuals, our community and our local economy.”
“This funding will assist the transit systems in getting through the first part of the pandemic,” said Premier Blaine Higgs, in a release issued by the province.
The premier also said the funding would be topped up if the municipalities identify further COVID-19-related costs.
Higgs was criticized this past summer for reportedly turning down funding for municipal transit services while municipalities were simultaneously reporting mounting deficits.
According to the provincial statement the funds will reach municipalities next week. It says more funding for municipal COVID-19 expenses will be announced soon.
