Toronto – The Canadian Urban Transit Association today called on Premier Stefanson to take the federal government up on its offer to extend financial support to keep transit running.

Manitoba transit systems face significant revenue shortfalls as Covid continues to depress public transit ridership. For every 10% drop in ridership, Manitoba transit systems lose about $9 million in revenue. Lost transit revenue is the largest budget shortfall for most cities.  

“Transit systems call on Premier Stefanson to commit provincial funds to match the recent $750 million-dollar federal pledge for public transit. Nearly 70,000 Manitobans rely on transit every day and the Premier should work with the Prime Minister to keep transit running.” said Marco D’Angelo, President of CUTA. 

In 2020 the federal and provincial governments came together to deliver $4.6 billion for public transit through the Safe Restart Agreement, including more than $33 million delivered to Manitoba transit systems. Last month, Ottawa announced up to $750 million to keep public transit running, but funds will only flow to provinces that match them. Under the formula, the federal government will use, Manitoba could access about $20 million in federal funds if it commits funds of its own.

For further information:

Alex Krause

Communications & Public Affairs Specialist

[email protected]

519.835.8345