OTTAWA – The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) is urging the federal government to provide clear, predictable information on the future of national transit funding, following the uncertainty created by the 2025 federal budget.

For years, the federal government committed to delivering dedicated and predictable transit funding. Cities relied on that commitment to plan major projects, manufacturers ramped up production, and transit agencies expanded service to support Canada’s growing communities. The Canada Public Transit Fund was originally presented as the largest investment in Canadian transit history and offered exactly what agencies needed: stability to build long-term infrastructure.

Today, some amount of previously earmarked transit dollars is being reallocated to a broad infrastructure envelope where every priority competes for the same funding. More than a month after the budget was tabled, cities still do not have clarity on the federal government’s position or on how critical transit projects will be supported.

Many of these projects are well beyond the planning stage. In several cities, they are already under construction and are counting on federal dollars flowing on April 1, 2026. Every level of government and every industry partner agrees that Canada cannot return to an era of stop start transit funding.

CUTA is calling for a clear and dependable commitment that protects the original promise made to Canadians. There are two viable solutions: maintain the full public transit envelope under the Canada Public Transit Fund, or create a protected transit stream within the new Building Communities Strong Fund. Both options would give cities the certainty they need to deliver the service Canadians rely on.

“Transit is economic growth, affordability, and environmental progress all at once,” said Marco D’Angelo, CUTA President and CEO. “Communities have already planned around the federal commitment that was made. Agencies are ready to deliver, manufacturers are ready to build, and cities are ready to grow. What we need now is clarity from Ottawa and a dependable flow of funds beginning April 1, 2026. Keeping this promise strengthens the entire country.”

Transit connects people to jobs, education, healthcare, and opportunity. To keep delivering those results for Canadians, agencies need multi-year certainty. With committed federal funding, they can order buses, build facilities, expand service, and provide reliable, safe, and affordable mobility.

CUTA will continue to work with federal partners, industry, and transit agencies across the country to secure the clarity and stability needed to protect Canada’s long-term transit future.

-30-

Media contact:
Jon MacMull
Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 647-215-7555