The Saint John Transit Commission's headquarters was hit with a 15.9 per cent increase in its property tax assessment this year. (mayorcourt.ca)

The general manager of Saint John Transit says the provincial government should stop charging property taxes on municipal transit buildings.

"New Brunswick is the only province to charge property taxes for its public transit service and you know, that property tax really represents about 8,000 hours [of service]," said Frank McCarey.

Saint John Transit paid more than $438,000 in property tax on its three-year-old terminal this year compared to about $60,000 at the old location, said McCarey.

That tax hike has contributed to cuts to service since 2009, including a 20 per cent reduction in transit hours, he said.

As a result, ridership has been dropping by about 400,000 people per year, McCarey said.

The province's Property Tax Reform Act will save Saint John Transit about $25,000 on its terminal, he said.

But McCarey said the transit system shouldn't have to pay any property taxes.

Coun. Donnie Snook said he agrees and has been working with Moncton and Fredericton to get the provincial government to stop taxing transit properties.

"When you think about the provincial budget, it's not a big ask. But on the other side of the ledger here locally, those few dollars will go a long way," said Snook.

The money could help put buses on the road and ensure the service is sustainable, he said.

Moncton's Codiac Transpo paid more than $185,000 this year, while Fredericton Transit paid $59,000.