Canada and British Columbia support transit improvements in communities across B.C.
News release
Langford, British Columbia, November 16, 2018—Investing in public transit infrastructure supports efficient, affordable and sustainable transportation options that help Canadians and their families get to work, school and essential services on time and back home safely at the end of the day.
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Lana Popham, B.C. Minister of Agriculture and MLA for Saanich South, on behalf of the Honourable Claire Trevena, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Aaron Lamb, Vice President of Asset Management for BC Transit, announced more than $136 million in joint funding for five projects that will benefit transit users across B.C.
Today's funding will help BC Transit add new buses to its fleet, refurbish existing ones, introduce on-board cashless fare and GPS tracking technologies and build a series of new transit shelters. It will also allow them to purchase new generators for transit facilities in Whistler, Kamloops and Nanaimo to ensure uninterrupted operations in the event of power failures.
These important projects will bring a new level of convenience and comfort to bus users in the province and help B.C. Transit operate more efficiently and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
"Investing in public transit infrastructure helps build sustainable communities, encourage economic growth and strengthen the middle class. Together, we are making positive changes like this one for the economy and the environment that will benefit future generations."
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"People are spending too much time in traffic on our busy roads so we want to make it easier to choose transit. We will continue to work with BC Transit and our federal and municipal partners to identify and invest in projects that will improve transit for people, which in turn will reduce congestion and emissions."
The Honourable Lana Popham, B.C. Minister of Agriculture and MLA for Saanich South, on behalf of the Honourable Claire Trevena, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
"I would like to thank both our federal and provincial partners for continuing to make public transit a priority through meaningful investment in the communities we proudly serve. It is an exciting time for BC Transit and I look forward to the opportunities we have to enhance the experience of our customers through infrastructure, fleet improvements, innovation and new technology."
Erinn Pinkerton, President and CEO, BC Transit
Quick facts
Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
$28.7 billion of this funding will support public transit projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
The Government of Canada is contributing up to $60,378,398 to these BC Transit projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS) of the Investing in Canada infrastructure program. The Government of BC is providing $52,690,738 and local governments are providing $23,812,653.
