Larry O’Brien

Please see below a press release sent from Minister Watson’s office regarding the province’s announcement this morning of $12.3 Million funding for the Ontario Bus Replacement Program in Ottawa. I was delighted to attend this announcement with Minister Bradley, Minister Watson and other members of the provincial government. I am grateful to the province for their generous contribution to bus replacement in the City of Ottawa. This investment will go a long way to restore our aging fleet and improve the reliability of our transit system.

This morning’s announcement is timely, as today we will take a giant step forward for the future of our City’s Downtown Rapid Transit Network. I’m heading back to City Hall now to attend the joint meeting of the Transit and Transportation Committee and will keep you updated as the day goes on.

Larry O’Brien

Mayor-City of Ottawa

For Immediate Release

May 21^st, 2008

Province Boosts Public Transit in Ottawa

McGuinty Government Helps Ontario’s Transit Systems Buy New Buses

The Ontario government will invest $12.3 million over the next 12 years in Ottawa under its Ontario Bus Replacement Program, created to improve public transit service, increase ridership and accessibility, and improve air quality.

The investment was made under the government’s program, which provides long-term, sustainable transit funding which Ottawa can use to replace conventional and specialized transit buses.

Since 2003, the McGuinty government has invested $6.2 billion in public transit across Ontario, including significant investments in Ottawa transit:

• Over $459 million to the City of Ottawa for public transit
• $36 million this year from the provincial gas tax, with more than $118 million having gone to the City since 2003
• Over $27 million recently in one time funding for capital upgrades to transit
• $200 million remains on the table for Light Rail Transit

QUOTES

“Transit riders in Ottawa will have improved transit service including access to newer, more efficient and accessible buses,” said Watson MPP Ottawa West Nepean. “Municipalities can replace aging buses and their lower maintenance costs which means better transit service in Ottawa.”

“I want to thank the province for their continued commitment to promoting and supporting public transportation in Ottawa,” said Ottawa Mayor Larry O’Brien.

QUICK FACTS

• In 2008, Ontario is investing $50 million in 47 municipal transit systems, providing up to one third of the cost of their bus purchases
• Since 2003, the Ontario government has invested $6.2 billion in public transit — $459 million in Ottawa.

-30-