Question Period Note: Support for Transit

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

• Canadians need access to public transit to work, go to school and socialize.

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

• The Government has provided over $20 billion for transit through existing programs. On top of this, in 2021, the Prime Minister announced an average of $3 billion per year ongoing, starting in 2026-2027.

• This funding has supported the purchase of zero emission buses and school buses, helped build walking and cycling trails, and addressed mobility challenges in rural communities with innovative local solutions, as well as major urban transit solutions, that many Canadians depend on every day.

• 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:

o The Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF): The five year, $2.75 billion 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.

o 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; submissions from Indigenous applicants continue to be accepted on a rolling basis.

o The Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF): The five year, $250 million 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. A rolling intake of the Capital stream was launched on January 20, 2023 and remains 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 fall 2023.

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