Toronto—The Canadian Urban Transit Association welcomed the Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s announcement today that the federal government will offer up to $750 million to keep transit running.

More than two million Canadians rely on public transit every day, even as ridership is down by about half from pre-Covid levels. For every 10% drop in ridership, transit systems lose $470 million a year and were only able to maintain relatively high service levels because of $4.6 billion in federal and provincial support. These funds are now expiring.

“Transit systems and their riders thank the federal government for its ongoing support. Transit is essential to keeping cities moving and meeting climate targets. It’s too important to fail and these funds will keep it running for the millions of people who rely on it every day,” said Marco D’Angelo, president of CUTA. “We call on all premiers to work with the federal government to keep transit running.”

Yesterday, the Toronto Star reported the Ontario government will deliver an additional $300 million for public transit, but no other province has extended support this year.

For further information:

Alex Krause

Communications & Public Affairs Specialist

[email protected]

519.835.8345