Wow! GERTIE has been awarded an Infrastructure grant, specifically from the New Building Canada Fund – Small Communities Fund, of $77,600 for fleet renewal, in this case for purchasing two newer buses. The total value of the project is $116,400.
Infrastructure grants are made up of three equal portions: federal funds, provincial funds, and the grantee’s funds. In other words, the federal government is providing up to $38,800, the provincial government is providing up to $38,800 and GERTIE must come up with $38,800 in matching funds to access the full $77,600.
Newer buses will not only be more comfortable for our passengers and drivers, but they will also be more reliable and less expensive to keep on the road. Our current fleet works very hard but the buses are old and it is expensive to keep them in tip top shape for you. Smaller repair and maintainance bills mean the likelihood of enhanced service hours increases.
To date, GERTIE has around $23,500 in her piggybank for newer buses. In the coming months, please help GERTIE to reach $38,800. All donations will receive a tax receipt.