Government of Canada invests in transit operations to enhance accessibility, reduce GHG emissions

The government of Canada is investing in public transit systems to expand access to services and improve operations in the province of Manitoba and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.  

Manitoba 

The province of Manitoba will receive a federal investment of over C$3.9 million (US$2.7 million) to increase transit services, improve accessible public transit and expand door-to-door electric vehicle transportation.  

Funding will support the purchase of two electric buses, six charging platforms, 12 chargers and garage upgrades in the Interlake region. These investments will enhance door-to-door transportation services for seniors and individuals with mobility challenges, improving accessibility and service reliability. 

Teulon, Rockwood and Woodlands will also benefit from funding to purchase a new mini-bus and an accessible van to replace aging vehicles. These upgrades will ensure the continued delivery of safe and reliable transit services, while enhancing accessibility and sustainability in the region. 

“Investing in accessible and sustainable public transit is critically important for connecting people to their communities and ensuring safe, reliable transportation—especially for seniors, individuals with mobility challenges and residents in rural and remote areas,” said Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface—Saint Vital Dan Vandal. “Our investments help address transit gaps and improve services to meet the needs of today and the future.” 

The federal government is investing C$3.9 million in these projects through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF). This fund works to support the improvement and expansion of locally driven transit solutions by helping residents of rural, remote, Indigenous and Northern Communities conduct their day-to-day activities. 

"The town of Stonewall and its Stonewall and Area Mobility Service (SAMS) partners were thrilled to receive this funding and are deeply grateful for the support from the federal government,” said Town of Stonewall Councilor Walter Badger. “The investment in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure will not only enable us to bolster and expand SAMS but also improve accessibility and sustainability for our residents and neighboring communities. This funding will make a significant difference in helping us to continue providing reliable, door-to-door transportation for those who need it most in the Interlake District." 

A minimum of 10 percent of RTSF’s funding is allocated to projects that benefit Indigenous populations and communities. The RTSF’s Capital Projects stream helps cover capital costs like the purchase of vehicles and supporting infrastructure. 

Indigenous applications are currently being accepted under the RTSF’s Capital Project stream until April 8, 2025. 

"The Rural Transit Solutions Funding has allowed Teulon & District Handivan Service to replace two of our aging vehicles and keep us on the road transporting individuals who are mobility disadvantaged, including seniors and people with various disabilities in Teulon and surrounding areas,” said Teulon & District Handivan Service Chairperson Cherise Griffin. “This funding is vital for many Handivan services throughout Canada to be able to replace aging vehicles and we are grateful for the federal government’s dedication towards the multiple intakes they have offered through the Rural Transit Solution Fund." 

Cape Breton Regional Municipality 

Through the new Canada Public Transit Fund’s Baseline Funding stream, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality will receive an annual funding allocation amounting to over $8 million (US$5.6 million) over 10 years to help provide predictable and long-term funding to support the municipality’s transit operations. This funding will upgrade, replace or modernize the Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s public transit infrastructure and maintain it in a state of good repair. 

The Canadian government says installments of the funding will begin in 2026 until 2036 and will help increase the housing supply and affordability as part of complete, transit-oriented communities, while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Federal funding is conditional on the submission of a capital plan and the signing of a funding agreement, between the recipient and Canada. 

“The federal government is committed to building high-quality and affordable public transit in cities and municipalities across Canada. This new long-term funding will modernize our municipality’s transit system, reduce congestion and support housing growth near transit,” said Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Jaime Battiste.