Question Period Note: SUPPORT FOR TRANSIT

What is the government doing to support transit across the country?

• Federal transit funding supports public transit systems and active transportation networks, creates jobs, and makes communities more accessible and liveable to all.
  • The Permanent Public Transit Program (PPTP) announced in Budget 2021 provides $14.9 billion over 8 years with $3 billion per year ongoing starting in 2026-2027. This funding builds on the $20 billion in funding already available for transit across the country from existing federal programs.
  • The transit investments we are making will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide health benefits, and better serve disadvantaged groups including women, seniors, youth and those with low incomes.

• The Permanent Public Transit Program (PPTP) is a transfer payment program which was created to support the expansion of permanent public transit systems and active transportation networks across Canada from coast to coast.

  • The program includes three direct application funds which aim to support the economic recovery from COVID-19 by creating jobs, particularly in the construction sector and throughout related supply chains:
    o The Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF): The five year, $2.75 billion ZETF will advance the Government of Canada’s commitment to help procure 5,000 zero emission public transit and school buses across Canada. Funding would be closely coordinated with the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s (CIB) commitment to invest in Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs) as part of its three-year Growth Plan.

    o The Active Transportation Fund (ATF): The five year, $400 million ATF will expand and enhance active transportation networks in communities of all types and sizes, and support Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy. It would do so by supporting planning for and deployment of a wide range of walking, cycling, and other active mobility infrastructure.

    o The Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF): The five year, $250 million RTSF would address unique mobility challenges in rural communities by supporting planning and deployment of locally-tailored mobility solutions in rural communities, including support to assess the viability of new approaches to mobility.

  • Funding is also being made available to accelerate future major projects and supporting the expansion of large urban transit systems that many Canadians depend on every day.

  • In addition, in 2026-27 $3 billion in annual transit funding will be made available on an on-going basis, transit funding with an envelope of $3 billion per year will start in 2026-2027.
  • All funds in the PPTP will be managed through Grants and Contributions Agreements signed with eligible recipients. Eligible Recipients for funding may include: municipal or regional governments; a provincial or territorial government, Indigenous Governing Bodies; federally or provincially incorporated not-for profit organizations mandated to improve Indigenous outcomes; organizations serving Indigenous communities living in urban centers and First Nations living off reserve; and Indigenous development corporations. Each Fund also has additional requirements for Eligible Recipients.

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