OTTAWA, ON – The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) echoes the call to action from Canada’s three largest transit systems – Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), Société de transport de Montréal (STM), and TransLink (Vancouver) – for the federal government to accelerate the timeline for the permanent public transit fund (PPTF). This urgent request comes ahead of the upcoming release of the federal budget.

The federal government plans to introduce the $3B annual PPTF in 2026 to support public transit infrastructure expansion and to ensure state of good repair for existing infrastructure. CUTA urges the government to introduce a $500M component of the fund in the 2024 budget and to open intake and funding commitments in 2024 for the remainder of the fund, ahead of the program’s planned 2026 start date. CUTA underscores the urgent infrastructure needs facing Canada’s transit agencies as they contend with aging infrastructure and rising demand spurred on by Canada’s rapidly rising population.

CUTA also stresses the need for collaborative efforts to reassess current funding practices for public transit, as outlined in the joint pre-budget submission of Canada’s three largest transit systems. This calls for tri-partite engagement to resolve the threat to the public transit industry’s fiscal stability. The federal government has a unique opportunity to lead this dialogue, ensuring that Canada’s transit systems receive the support they need.

“Public transit is more than just a mode of transportation – it’s a critical component of our national infrastructure that supports economic development, social cohesion, and environmental stewardship.” stated Marco D’Angelo, CUTA’s CEO. “By advancing the PPTF’s timeline and identifying sustainable operational funding, we can create more robust, resilient public transit networks that not only addresses the needs of today’s commuters, but also lays the groundwork for a thriving, dynamic future for Canadian communities.”

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Media contact:
Jon MacMull
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA)
[email protected]
416-684-9808