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    1. Management

    Government of Canada calls for applications for funding to expand public transit

    Jan. 28, 2022
    Applications to the Zero Emission Transit Fund, the Active Transportation Fund and the Rural Transit Solutions Fund will now be accepted.
    Related To: Infrastructure Canada

    The Honorable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, launched a call for applications for new projects that will support public transit systems across Canada.  

    Applications to the Zero Emission Transit Fund, the Active Transportation Fund and the Rural Transit Solutions Fund will now be accepted. These funds will help shorten people's commutes, grow a strong, healthy economy and fight climate change. 

    “To reach our ambitious emissions reduction target of net-zero by 2050, we need to take an innovative and flexible approach to public transit,” said Minister LeBlanc. “This fund will help communities of all sizes across the country build transit systems that are tailored to the needs and realities of their citizens. Our government will continue to work with its partners to ensure Canadians, regardless of where they live, can rely on modern, flexible and clean modes of public transportation.” 

    The C$2.75 billion (US$2.15 million) Zero Emission Transit Fund is now accepting applications under the planning and capital streams. Eligible applicants can seek funding to help cover planning and capital costs related to shifting public transit systems to cleaner electrical power, including the purchase of zero-emission buses and related infrastructure. This fund is closely coordinated with the Canada Infrastructure Bank's commitment to invest C$1.5 billion (US$1.17 billion) in zero-emission buses as part of its three-year growth plan. 

    The C$400 million (US$313 million) Active Transportation Fund is now accepting applications from eligible applicants who wish to help build new and expanded networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails and pedestrian bridges. Funding is available for planning projects as well as capital projects. 

    The C$250 million (US$195 million) Rural Transit Solutions Fund is now accepting applications under the Capital Projects stream. Eligible applicants can seek funding contributions to help cover capital costs like the purchase of vehicles or digital platforms, as well as to support zero emission transit solutions such as the purchase of zero emission vehicles. The Rural Transit Solutions Fund is the first federal fund to target the development of transit solutions in rural, remote and Indigenous communities. 

    These funding opportunities are part of the nearly C$15 billion (US$11.7 million) investment for public transit projects announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last year. Federal funding for public transit helps communities of all sizes ensure their residents can get around. 

    These funding opportunities are also key to the government's commitment to ambitious climate action that keeps the environment and economy healthy. In Canada, the transportation sector, which includes passenger cars and buses, accounts for 25 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. Good transit is key to any plan to keep air clean and build strong communities. Tackling climate change and reaching net-zero by 2050 requires strong action by all orders of government and that is what the government of Canada says it will continue working with partners to deliver.