MONTREAL – The chronic deficits that plague public transit systems can be solved by diverting funds from the federal gas tax, said New Democrat Leader Jack Layton today.

“Mayors in the greater Montreal area want to end the chronic deficits of their transit systems,” said Layton. “That’s to be expected, but it’s past time for the federal government to take on its fair share of the responsibility.”

Layton explained that under the NDP plan one cent per litre of the existing federal excise tax would be redirected to public transit.

“For the City of Montreal alone, our plan represents an investment of more than $315 million over 4 years,” he said. “For the South Shore region, we’re talking about $35 million.”

Layton discussed the issue with Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay on Wednesday. The NDP initiative answers the plea from big-city mayors for the federal government to provide stable and long-term funding for public transit.

“The Montreal region’s public transit system urgently needs funding,” said Alexandre Boulerice, the NDP candidate for Rosemont. “Our communities have plans that are beneficial to the environment and our quality of life.”

“We can improve our transit systems without necessarily raising taxes. The federal government needs to make different fiscal choices, meeting the needs of individuals instead of Big Oil companies,” Layton concluded.