Public Transit a Key Infrastructure Priority to Boost Economy

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb. 13, 2014) - The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) was pleased to partake in the government's announcement on the program parameters of the Building Canada Plan today. Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, re-iterated that investments under this new plan will help build public infrastructure assets, including public transit, that promote productivity and economic growth, in cooperation with provinces, territories and municipalities.

Canada's Economic Action Plan provides over $70 billion for infrastructure, part of this includes the 10-year Building Canada Plan which will inject $53.5 billion in critical infrastructure including public transit.

Under the new Building Canada Plan, transit projects will be an eligible category across all components of the New Building Canada Plan. Traditionally-procured public transit projects are now eligible for up to 50 per cent of the total eligible project costs. "We are very pleased to see this healthy contribution to transit projects, said Michael Roschlau, President and CEO of CUTA, "this announcement distinguishes transit as a valuable investment for Canadians".

"Public transit generates $12 billion in economic benefits annually and supports nearly 80,000 jobs across the country" said Roschlau. "In addition to reducing traffic congestion in major urban centres, the transit industry creates thousands of high-quality jobs in smaller communities through its manufacturing and supply chain" added Roschlau.

"We applaud the government for this long-term commitment which will enable communities across Canada to access predictable and flexible funding options for important transit expansion projects. CUTA will continue to collaborate with federal, provincial, and municipal governments to ensure funds are allocated towards mobility options that reflect the lifestyle and transportation needs of future generations," commented Roschlau.

About CUTA

CUTA is the collective and influential voice of public transportation in Canada, dedicated to being at the centre of urban mobility issues with all orders of government, and delivering the highest value to its members and the communities they serve. CUTA is the national association representing public transit systems, suppliers to the industry, government agencies, individuals and related organizations in Canada.

For more information on the Building Canada Plan, please visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca