Question Period Note: Support for Transit

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

• The Government of Canada works with all levels of government and partners to support public transit and active transportation networks, create jobs, and make communities cleaner, more accessible, sustainable, and livable for everyone.

• As new affordable housing is built, it is critical that public transit be available for Canadians to get to work, access services and actively participate in their communities.

• Since 2015, the Government has announced more than $30 billion for more than 1,400 public transit projects across the country. In 2021, the Prime Minister announced permanent public transit funding.

• Communities wanting to access this funding stream have to make housing a priority and eliminate barriers to housing development. Further details will be released in the coming months.

• The Permanent Public Transit Program (PPTP), launched in 2021, is a transfer payment program which was created to support the expansion of public transit systems and active transportation networks across Canada. All funds under the program are managed through Grants and Contributions Agreements signed with eligible recipients.

• The PPTP includes three direct-application funds:

  • The Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF): Announced as $2.75 billion over five years, ZETF is advancing the Government of Canada’s commitment to help procure zero emission public transit and school buses across Canada. ZETF investments are closely coordinated with the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s commitment to invest in zero emission buses as part of its Growth Plan. The program is currently open for applications on an ongoing basis.

  • The Active Transportation Fund (ATF): The five year, $400 million ATF aims to expand and enhance active transportation networks in communities of all types and sizes, while also supporting Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy. It does so by supporting planning for and deployment of a wide range of walking, cycling, and other active mobility infrastructure. The intake is closed and most of the funding is fully allocated.

  • The Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF): Announced as $250 million over five years, RTSF addresses 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. Rolling intakes of the Capital stream and the Planning stream were launched in 2023 (in January and December, respectively), and remain open.

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

• Public engagement on the Permanent Public Transit Fund has helped to refine our vision for the ongoing funding moving forward and develop a more detailed approach to be released in the coming months.

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