Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced $14.9 billion for public transit projects over the next eight years, which includes permanent funding of $3 billion per year for Canadian communities beginning in 2026-27. The government says the announcement provides cities and communities with predictable transit funding needed to plan for the future. Ottawa says it’s part of the plan to create one million jobs, fight climate change, and rebuild a more sustainable and resilient economy.

While short on details, the government says investing in public transit infrastructure shortens commute times for families, creates good middle class jobs, grows the economy, and cuts air pollution.

The feds say the money could be used to switch to cleaner electrical power, including supporting the use of zero-emission vehicles and related infrastructure. They say the funding will also help meet the growing demand for transportation projects such as building walkways and paths for cycling, walking, scooters, e-bikes, and wheelchairs.

And, it could help Canadians living in rural and remote areas travel to and from work more easily and access essential services, by working with rural, remote, and Indigenous communities to identify and create transit solutions that meet their needs.