Public transit is not only how millions of Canadians get around - it's key to keeping our air clean and creating good, middle class jobs across the country.
Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, launched a call for applications for new projects that will support public transit systems across Canada. Starting today, applications to the Zero Emission Transit Fund, the Active Transportation Fund and the Rural Transit Solutions Fund will be accepted. These funds will help shorten people's commutes, grow a strong, healthy economy, and fight climate change.
- The $2.75 billion Zero Emission Transit Fund is now accepting applications under the Planning and Capital streams. Eligible applicants can seek funding to help cover planning and capital costs related to shifting public transit systems to cleaner electrical power, including the purchase of zero emission buses and related infrastructure. This Fund is closely coordinated with the Canada Infrastructure Bank's commitment to invest $1.5 billion in zero emission buses as part of its three-year Growth Plan.
- The $400 million Active Transportation Fund is now accepting applications from eligible applicants who wish to help build new and expanded networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails and pedestrian bridges. Funding is available for planning projects as well as capital projects.
- The $250 million Rural Transit Solutions Fund is now accepting applications under the Capital Projects stream. Eligible applicants can seek funding contributions to help cover capital costs like the purchase of vehicles or digital platforms, as well as to support zero emission transit solutions such as the purchase of zero emission vehicles. The Rural Transit Solutions Fund is the first federal fund to target the development of transit solutions in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
These funding opportunities are part of the nearly $15 billion investment for public transit projects announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last year. Federal funding for public transit helps communities of all sizes ensure their residents can get around.
These funding opportunities are also key to the Government's commitment to ambitious climate action that keeps our environment and our economy healthy. In Canada, the transportation sector, which includes passenger cars and buses, accounts for 25 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. Good transit is key to any plan to keep air clean and build strong communities. Tackling climate change and reaching net-zero by 2050 requires strong action by all orders of government and that is exactly what the Government of Canada will continue working with partners to deliver.
