Ottawa – The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) stands with Quebec’s public trans agencies in their call for increased funding for public transit. The recent proposal from the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Geneviève Guilbault, to cap Quebec’s contribution to future deficits of transit agencies at 20 per cent has raised significant concerns about the sustainability of public transportation in the province.

CUTA recognizes the critical role that public transit plays in Quebec’s communities, and the need for adequate funding to maintain and improve service quality, accessibility, and overall transit infrastructure. The current funding model presents several challenges, including reduced service quality, inequities in fare pricing, and vulnerability to economic downturns. These issues threaten the ability of public transit agencies to meet the growing demands of existing and new riders.

To address these challenges, CUTA is calling for a collaborative effort involving the federal, provincial, and municipal governments to develop a new funding model for public transit in Canada. A national taskforce should be established to lead this effort, with a focus on the following key principles:

• Collaborative Solution Development: All levels of government must work together to share insights and develop holistic solutions to address the challenges facing public transit.
• Sustainable Funding Alternatives: Innovative funding alternatives that reduce reliance on farebox revenue should be explored. This may include dedicated funding sources, cost-sharing mechanisms, and new revenue streams.
• Equity and Accessibility: Prioritizing equity and accessibility to ensure public transit remains affordable for all and expands services to under-served communities.
• Economic Benefits: Recognizing the economic benefits of investing in public transit, including job creation and local economic growth.

“The time has come for a united effort to secure the future of public transit in Quebec and across Canada,” said CUTA President Marco D’Angelo. “We stand ready to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to develop a national public transit strategy that ensures reliable and sustainable funding for public transit operations and infrastructure.”

CUTA believes that the federal government has a unique opportunity to lead this national conversation on public transit funding. Federal leadership can facilitate coordination among provinces and municipalities, incentivize innovative funding models, and support the development of technologies that improve operational efficiency and financial sustainability.

With approximately 500,000 new Canadians expected to arrive in Canada annually over the next decade, public transit will play a pivotal role in supporting our growing communities. A reliable and sustainable funding strategy is essential to ensure that public transit can accommodate the needs of both existing and new riders, address environmental concerns, and support key policy aims.

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Media Contact
Jon MacMull
Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Canadian Urban Transit Association
416-684-9808
[email protected]