Alberta Community Transit Fund awards C$215 million to 17 projects
The Alberta Community Transit Fund, which was launched in August 2018, will help fund a total of 17 municipal transit system projects. The C$215 million (US$160.09 million) will be shared between the Calgary Metropolitan Region, Edmonton Metropolitan Region and other communities in the province.
“These transit projects will help Albertans get to where they need to go in a timely and cost-efficient way while helping to reduce pollution and ease congestion. We know folks would rather spend time with their family versus sitting in traffic. That’s why we are investing in new ways for Albertans to get to where they are going,” said Alberta Minister of Transportation Brian Mason.
The C$101.8 million (US$75.80 million) awarded to the Calgary Metropolitan Region will aid in the purchase of 15 new light-rail vehicles (LRVs) and 52 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses. The C$95.4 million (US$71.04 million) awarded to the Edmonton Metropolitan Region will help fund a dedicated bus lane on Terwillegar Drive and 28 new electric buses.
The province explains that the Alberta Community Transit Fund investments help municipalities address the needs of their growing communities, while increasing environmentally sustainable transit options and improving rider experience.
“Ongoing investments in transit are critical for a big city like ours that continues to grow. Two big wins for us include being able to move forward with relieving car congestion for one of the fastest growing areas of the city while also being able to green our bus fleet. We are grateful to the government of Alberta for recognizing these pressing needs that will both enhance the opportunities for Edmontonians to get around in our city and contribute to our climate resilience,” said Don Iveson, mayor of Edmonton.
Naheed Nenshi, mayor of Calgary added, "This funding is critical to our long-term plans for Calgary’s transit system. Adding light-rail vehicles and CNG buses to our fleet will help ensure our system is resilient into the future. This is great news for Calgary.”
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
