Chatham-Kent Transit is getting some extra provincial funding to keep its buses cleaned and sanitized during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls announced on Wednesday nearly $40,000 to keep transit passengers and employees safer. Leamington is also getting just over $18,000 to cover additional cleaning costs of its municipal transit system to reduce transmission of the virus.
“As our province continues to reopen, it is important we have the proper resources to do so safely," said Nicholls. “With this investment, our communities will be safer places to live, work, and play as we get back to a new normal.”
The cash is part of $15 million in provincial support for 110 municipalities across the province towards enhanced transit cleaning as the province gradually reopens.
“We recognize that municipal transit agencies across the province are facing significant financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney. “That is why we are providing funding for enhanced cleaning on public transit systems and continuing to work closely with our municipal partners to support safety on public transit.”
The funding announcement is part of Ontario’s $17 billion action plan to respond to COVID-19.