The Provincial Government is providing a one-time increase to the para-transit grant funding to the City of St. John�s. The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, and Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, provided additional information on the increase today.

"The Provincial Government undertook a review to determine its usage of the para-transit system," said Minister Skinner. "We have determined that government usage is at approximately 25 per cent. As a result, we are providing an increase to cover those costs."

Recently, government was made aware of concerns pertaining to usage of the para-transit system. Government officials undertook a review of information provided by the City of St. John�s and its service provider. The Provincial Government will increase the para-transit grant funding from $94,500 to $270,500.

"We want to have the necessary funding in place to ensure availability of the service to those who need it the most," said Minister Skinner. "We look forward to working with the City of St. John�s in providing a system that users can continue to depend on."

The Provincial Government is requesting that a study be conducted to further examine para-transit usage. The study would be cost-shared between the City of St. John�s and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The City of St. John�s has provided a draft terms of reference for the study. That document is currently being reviewed by government. The results of the study will be used to assist in determining future Provincial Government funding arrangements for usage of the para-transit system.

- 30 -

Media contact:
Ronalda Walsh
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-0753, 699-7903
ronaldawalsh@gov.nl.ca