The City of Windsor is set to receive more than $4.4 million in provincial funding for its public transit system, as announced by the Ontario government. The funding, amounting to $4,462,356, comes through the 2025-26 gas tax program, which allocates a portion of provincial gas tax revenues to municipalities to support local transit services.
Funding Details and Usage
The province collects a two-cent-per-litre levy on retail fuel sales to fund the program. Disbursements to municipalities are determined annually based on factors such as ridership and population growth. The funding can be used at the city's discretion for a range of transit-related needs, including expanding service hours, increasing routes, purchasing new vehicles, and improving accessibility. These measures aim to boost ridership and strengthen service delivery.
City officials confirmed that the $4.4 million will support Transit Windsor's operating budget. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens highlighted that the city council has approved $5.4 million for 2026 capital investments in public transit. Combined with the provincial contribution, Windsor is investing nearly $10 million this year in Transit Windsor's operations and capital needs.
Community Impact
In 2025, Transit Windsor delivered nearly eight million passenger trips, supported by more than 300 employees and a fleet of 117 fully accessible buses. The system provided approximately 320,000 hours of service and traveled more than six million kilometers across local neighborhoods.
“Investing in public transit is investing in the people of Windsor,” said MPP Andrew Dowie (PC — Windsor-Tecumseh) in a news release. “This funding will strengthen Transit Windsor and help ensure residents can rely on safe, efficient service — when and where they need it. Our government remains committed to building a stronger, more connected community.”
Mayor Dilkens emphasized the flexibility of the provincial funding, stating, “This funding from the province has been consistent, with few barriers or parameters for its use, offering flexibility and empowering city administration to direct these crucial dollars where they are most needed, and where they will have the greatest impact on residents.”
Provincial Commitment
The province is investing nearly $380 million through the gas tax program this year to support public transit in 107 municipalities across Ontario. This consistent funding allows municipalities like Windsor to plan and improve transit services effectively.
