Today the Government of Canada announced $14.9 billion for public transit projects over the next eight years, which includes permanent funding of $3 billion per year for Canadian communities beginning in 2026-27.

The new fund has been delivered in response to decades of lobbying from municipalities and transit authorities that a source of permanent and stable funding is essential to allow for careful and long-term project planning and delivery. It is also part of the federal government’s plan to create more jobs, fight climate change, and rebuild a more sustainable and resilient economy.

“When we invest in public transit infrastructure, we are supporting good middle class jobs, creating better commutes, fighting climate change, and helping make life easier and more affordable for Canadians,” said Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada. “We will continue to do what it takes to ensure our economic recovery from COVID-19 and build back a more resilient country for everyone.”

 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau makes announcement about
permanent public transit fund.

 

 

Over the coming months, Infrastructure Canada will work with provinces, territories, municipalities, local governments, Indigenous communities, transit agencies, policy experts, and other stakeholders to develop programming for the $3 billion in permanent public transit funding in a manner that offers the greatest benefits to Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Consultations on the design of the new permanent transit funding will begin in the near future to address how all orders of government can work in partnership to get the most out of investments in public transit.

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The new fund and affiliated projects are expected to help achieve the following:

  • Help Canadians move around easier and create new jobs by building major public transit projects, providing dedicated planning funding to accelerate future major projects, and supporting the expansion of large urban transit systems that many Canadians depend on every day.
  • Reduce pollution and create jobs for Canadians by enhancing public transit systems and switching them to cleaner electrical power, including supporting the use of zero-emission vehicles and related infrastructure.
  • Support healthy lifestyles in our communities and meet the growing demand for active transportation projects, including by building walkways and paths for cycling, walking, scooters, e-bikes, and wheelchairs.
  • Help Canadians living in rural and remote areas travel to and from work easier and access essential services, by working with rural, remote, and Indigenous communities to identify and create transit solutions that meet their needs.

“As we build back better, it is time to ambitiously invest in modern and sustainable public transit across our country, to reduce congestion, to help create a million jobs, and to support cleaner and more inclusive communities,” said Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “Permanent, long-term funding for public transit will mean new subway lines, light-rail transit and streetcars, electric buses, cycling paths and improved rural transit. It will mean that Canadians can get around in faster, cleaner, and more affordable ways. And it will help drive us to net-zero emissions and ensure a more sustainable future for our kids.”

The importance of safe, modern, and efficient public transit systems has been magnified over the course of the pandemic, and public transit will remain a critical element of the sustainable mobility of future cities, providing an efficient way to address congestion and reduce pollution, and enabling Canadians to access jobs, services, and be active participants in those communities.

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To view a video about the announcement, click here.

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