Public transit gets Canadians to where they need to be, creates new Canadian manufacturing and construction jobs, reduces pollution and congestion, makes life more affordable, and keeps Canadians and communities connected as they grow. It’s only fair that Canadians have a fast and affordable way to get around—that’s why the federal government is investing in public transit infrastructure across the country.
Today in Brampton, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, joined by the Honourable Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, and Harkirat Singh, Deputy Mayor of Brampton, announced a joint federal-provincial-municipal investment of more than $17.4 million to improve public transit in the City of Brampton and Peel Region.
This joint investment will enable the City of Brampton to purchase 15 made-in-Canada buses to replace vehicles that have reached the end of life, and install modern fare payment systems and automatic vehicle location technology. It will also make it possible for Peel Region to purchase 23 specialized transit accessible buses and two electric TransHelp buses. As part of this investment, Peel Region will also upgrade its bus garages to accommodate battery electric buses, which are being added to its fleet.
Quotes
“Investing in public transit is essential to ensuring Canada’s economy reaches its full potential. Better transit makes it quicker and more affordable for Canadians to get to where they need to go, all while reducing emissions. Today’s investment to help two growing transit agencies buy new buses will make it a more efficient, reliable, and comfortable experience to get around Peel Region on public transit.”
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
“Public transit is invaluable in connecting communities, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and helping make lives easier for all Canadians. I am proud that we are making this investment and am excited to see the impact it will have for the people of Peel Region."
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“Public transit is not just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about building vibrant, connected communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. It’s about creating a more sustainable, resilient, and connected future for generations to come. That is why our government continues to make historic investments in public transit here in Brampton that build on the almost $30 billion that we have already invested to support public transit across Canada.”
The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is investing nearly $100 billion over the next decade in public transit and generational projects like the Hazel McCallion Line and Highway 413 so people can get where they need to go when they need to get there. We will continue to work with our federal and municipal partners to make sure the people of Brampton and Peel Region have the public transit they need for generations to come.”
The Honourable Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation
“We are thankful to the federal government for making much needed further investments in Brampton Transit. The support will help public transit in Brampton significantly. By replacing buses that have reached their end of life and embracing innovation by implementing new, modern fare systems and vehicle location technology, we are ensuring a seamless journey for all. As Canada’s fastest-growing transit network, our ridership surge defies norms, demonstrating the indispensable role of Brampton Transit. Investments like this allow us to continue to meet the needs of our riders and with an unwavering focus on sustainability and connectivity, we’re shaping a future where transit is not just efficient, but environmentally responsible. Brampton Transit is not just a service; it’s a pathway to a greener, more connected tomorrow.”
His Worship Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton
“Peel’s door-to-door specialized public transit service enables residents with disabilities to travel without barriers and maintain their independence. Working in tandem with other levels of government allows us to make great strides toward creating a place where everyone enjoys a sense of belonging and has access to the services and opportunities they need to thrive.”
Nando Iannicca, Chair, Peel Region
Quick Facts
- In Budget 2024, the federal government is delivering fairness for every generation with a housing plan that includes nearly 4 million new homes, transformative expansions to Canada’s social safety net to make life cost less and ensure Canadians get the care they need, and investments to create good jobs and economic growth. The government’s plan for tax fairness makes these investments in younger generations possible by increasing capital gains taxes on 0.13 per cent of Canadians to generate $19.4 billion in new revenue over five years.
- The federal government is investing $6.9 million in three projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, which supports the building, expansion, and upgrading of urban and rural transit networks. The Government of Ontario is investing $5.8 million, and the City of Brampton and Peel Region are investing a combined $4.6 million.
- Through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
- In Ontario, the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s Public Transit Infrastructure Stream has already approved over 400 projects to improve public transit. The federal government has committed $8.3 billion to the program, and the provincial government has committed $7.3 billion.
- Budget 2024 announced that any community seeking to access long-term, predictable funding through the federal government’s forthcoming permanent public transit fund will be required to take action that directly creates housing supply. This includes measures to:
- Eliminate all mandatory minimum parking requirements within 800 metres of a high-frequency transit line.
- Allow high-density housing within 800 metres of a high-frequency transit line.
- Allow high-density housing within 800 metres of post-secondary institutions.
- Complete a Housing Needs Assessment for all communities with a population greater than 30,000.