City Releases Operating Grants for Metrobus/GoBus Services
As part of the 2019 operating budget for the City of St. John’s, City Council will vote on the operating grant provided to the St. John’s Transportation Commission.
The overall budget for Metrobus and GoBus is essentially unchanged for 2019 from 2018.
| SJTC | 2019 Projected Operating Grant | $17.97 million |
| Metrobus | 2019 Projected Operating Cost | $21.47 million |
| 2019 Projected Revenue | $7.56 million | |
| GoBus | 2019 Projected Operating Cost | $4.49 million |
| 2019 Projected Revenue | $428 thousand |
Metrobus is subsidized by the City at 64.75 percent.
“Grants to Metrobus and GoBus keep these services operating,” explained Ian Froude, Councillor on the St. John’s Transportation Commission. “Any reductions will impact routes. The current review is looking at ways to generate revenue and increase efficiency operationally, and we look forward to sharing the results when they are available.”
Revenues for Metrobus and GoBus include passenger fares, reimbursements from other municipalities receiving the services and small government operating grants.
“Metrobus delivers approximately 3,000,000 rides annually while GoBus delivers approximately 135,000 rides annually to pre-qualified persons with disabilities,” said Councillor Froude. “Our public transportation system not only takes the equivalent of 7,000 vehicles off the road every day, it ensures that all residents have access to safe, accessible and affordable transportation solutions which supports our economy and drives personal and business success.”
“We are pleased to share detailed information on our operating grants as part of our commitment to openness and transparency,” explained Mayor Danny Breen. “We encourage the St. John’s Transportation Commission and the staff at Metrobus to continue their commitment to seeking revenue generation opportunities and to operational efficiency.”
Media Contact:
Kelly Maguire
Media Relations
City of St. John's
709-576-8491
kmaguire@stjohns.ca