MPP O’Toole Tables Legislation to Give Transit Users a Break

MPP O’Toole Tables Legislation to Give

Transit Users a Break

December 8, 2011

NEWS

QUEEN’S PARK – This week, Durham MPP John O’Toole, re-introduced a private members’ bill which would give public transit users a tax break. The bill entitled, The Public Transit Expense Tax Credit, would provide a tax credit for expenses incurred for using public transit. This bill would mirror the Federal transit tax credit which has been in place since 2006.

Public transit is an important public good for Ontario. By encouraging people to use public transit harmful greenhouses gas emissions are reduced and traffic congestion and gridlock are eased. Traffic in the GTA is now the worst in all of North America. Gridlock chokes economic growth and cuts into family time. According to the Toronto Board of Trade gridlock costs the economy of the GTA $6 Billion annually.

Increase public transit use is more cost effective than commuting daily. It is safe and convenient and with less time spent in the car it enhances the quality of family life. In order to encourage people to use public transit it is important to give them incentives. A public transit tax credit will encourage commuters to get out of their cars and onto trains, buses and subways.

QUOTES

  • “Everyone agrees we have a gridlock problem. This bill offers a simple solution to help ease the congestion problems which choke our economy.” John O’Toole – MPP Durham
  • “I personally take transit each day to work at Queen’s Park. We need to encourage people to give it a try. Once people try transit, they won’t turn back.” John O’Toole – MPP Durham

QUICK FACTS

  • In a report commissioned by the Toronto Board of Trade it was estimated that gridlock costs the GTA economy $6 billion each year. This number is expected to grow to $15 billion annual if no action is taken.
  • The same report calculated that average commute time for those travelling into the GTA is approximately 109 minutes. This is equivalent of spending 3 works weeks in the car each year.

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For further information please contact:

John O’Toole, MPP – Durham (905) 697-1501 / 1-800-661-2433