The province is considering a request from the City of St. John’s for a break on the gas tax as it applies to Metrobus.

St. John’s Centre MHA Jim Dinn says the tax costs Metrobus about $400,000 a year, almost the same amount the city is looking to cut from the Metrobus budget next year.

Dinn says the tax structure is unfair.

He says part of the problem is the fact that the province collects the tax from Metrobus for driving on roads that are maintained by the city, not the province.

Finance Minister Siobhan Coady confirmed she received a letter from Mayor Danny Breen last week on the issue, adding the government will consider the request as part of the spring budget process.

Planned reductions to Metrobus service have been delayed but the city is still seeking to cut half a million dollars from its budget next year.