CUTA Recommends:

To Fix the Public Transit Infrastructure Deficit

In the February 2008 Budget the government commits significant new support to invest in public transit infrastructure. The allocation of $500 million in 2007-08, dedicated to public transit, is a major boost to future access and mobility in Canadian communities and extending the Gas Tax Fund as a permanent measure is an excellent response to the ongoing needs for municipal infrastructure investment.

The 2008 budget does not, however, put in place long-term, dedicated funding specifically for public transit. The fifth edition of the Canadian Urban Transit Association’s (CUTA) transit infrastructure needs survey released in early 2008, has estimated the infrastructure requirements of this country’s transit systems across the country to be $40.1 billion for the period 2008–2012. These monies are needed for the maintenance and upkeep of the current systems, and for transit expansion to accommodate more riders.

As the transit industry looks ahead, critical challenges loom. The current surge in transit demand (an increase of 16% from 2001 through 2006) has pressured transit systems to add new service.

Canada Needs A National Public Transit Strategy

Canada still lacks a long-term, predictable approach to transit investment-leaving it alone among members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Canadian Urban Transit Association are calling on Ottawa to establish a partnership between all orders of government in creating a true National Transit Strategy to ensure long-term, predictable funding for all communities.

Recommendations For A National Transit Strategy

The proposed Strategy has five elements:

New federal transit investment of $2 billion a year to maintain, renew and expand transit services across Canada
Federal tax incentives for individuals to choose transit, such as income tax exemption for employer-provided transit benefits
Support for research to enable innovation and make transit operations more effective and efficient
A requirement for integrated land use and transportation plans in recipient communities that make transit the primary means of serving future growth in travel demand
Accountability measures to ensure all governments work in cooperation with each other.

Canada Needs Public Transit Because It Is Good For The Environment And The Economy

Investment in transit is essential if we are to meet our twin goals of reduced greenhouse gas emissions and cleaner air. The transportation sector accounts for 30 percent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, and passenger vehicles are the highest contributor at 70 percent of emissions.
Congestion is affecting the competitiveness of all of Canada’s urban regions. A 2006 federal government study that found “the total annual cost of congestion (in 2002 dollars) ranges from $2.3 billion to $3.7 billion for the major urban areas in Canada.
Considering that one city bus can carry as many passengers as 50 cars and pollutes 18 times less and that one commuter train can replace 15 lanes of traffic, a national transit strategy is a logical and necessary step in fighting greenhouse gases and climate change.
Transit reduces air pollution, thus contributing to our quality of health. On average, a typical mid-sized car driven 20,000 kilometers per year produces 5 tonnes of carbon dioxide; buses emit significantly fewer pollutants on a per-passenger km basis.