OTTAWA – The Ontario Public Transit Association (OPTA) and the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) applaud the Government of Ontario and the City of Ottawa for securing a new deal aimed at enhancing the city’s financial standing. Notable aspects of the deal include provincial investments toward enhancing public safety, expanding bus rapid transit infrastructure, and a commitment toward exploring ways to support public transit.

“We commend Premier Ford, Ministers Bethlenfalvy, Surma, and Sarkaria, Mayor Sutcliffe, OC Transpo Chair Glen Gower, and General Manager Renee Amilcar for their efforts to find innovative solutions to address challenges facing the City of Ottawa,” said Karen Cameron, President of OPTA.

The deal also includes investments in homeless shelters and other housing supports. These measures align with recommendations from CUTA’s Prioritizing Safety on Public Transit report, which advocates for comprehensive, collaborative strategies to tackle social disorder on transit networks.

This new deal follows a similar bilateral funding agreement reached between the province and the City of Toronto in November.

“Ontario is showing sustained support for its largest municipalities,” stated Marco D’Angelo, President and CEO of CUTA. “We join the province in its call to explore funding solutions for public transit beyond fare revenue streams.”

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Media Contact
Jon MacMull
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA)
[email protected]