Canada and Quebec support better public transit services for Laval residents

LAVAL, QC, May 11, 2018 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Quebec recognize that investing in public transit infrastructure is crucial to economic growth, reducing air pollution, and creating inclusive communities where everyone has access to public services and job opportunities.

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, Eva Nassif, Member of Parliament for Vimy, and Saul Polo, Member of the National Assembly for Laval-des-Rapides, today announced an investment of over $26.8 million for 14 projects being carried out by the Société de transport de Laval(STL), under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. The Government of Canada will provide more than $14.9 million for these projects, and the Government of Quebec will contribute over $11.9 million. The STL will provide the remaining funding.

Among the projects being funded is the purchase of buses to expand the fleet and maintain its average age. The funding will also be used to install equipment for the first roll-out of a fully electric bus line, and add new technologies to streamline boarding for passengers.

Once completed, this work will improve the performance, efficiency and reliability of Laval's transit system, make it more inclusive and allow the STL to meet the community's immediate needs while preparing for anticipated future increases in ridership.

Quotes

"Modern efficient public transit infrastructure plays an important role in the development of sustainable communities and the growth of the middle class. By investing in projects such as these in Laval, the Government of Canada is helping communities across Quebec improve residents' mobility, meet increasing demand and provide key amenities to encourage economic development."

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"I am pleased to announce this contribution geared towards realizing sustainable transportation projects, such as the purchase and replacement of 15 buses, as well as the implementation of a first all-electric bus line. These investments will support a clean-growth economy that will benefit Laval residents for generations."

Eva Nassif, Member of Parliament for Vimy

"The Government of Quebec's investment, together with that of the Government of Canada and the Société de transport de Laval, will greatly improve transit flow and the user experience. These projects will contribute to Laval's economic growth while improving air quality and residents' quality of life. These environmentally responsible alternatives to car travel will make Laval an ideal choice for families and workers seeking a modern, sustainable and safe lifestyle." 

Francine Charbonneau, Minister Responsible for Seniors and Anti-Bullying and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region

"I am particularly pleased to see that governments at the federal and provincial levels have taken the importance of transportation in the Laval region to heart. We can take pride in these major investments, which will ensure that Laval families can enjoy greater fluidity in transportation." 

Saul Polo, Member of the National Assembly for Laval-des-Rapides, on behalf of André Fortin, Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification

"The Forum sur la mobilité durable et le transport collectif [Forum on sustainable mobility and public transport] provided an opportunity for 19 mayors to present their vision for resolving significant road congestion issues. Public transport is at the heart of our strategies. The City of Laval is pleased with the funding provided by the Canadian and Quebec governments for the STL to carry out innovative projects, primary objective of which is to make public transport more attractive to Laval residents. This series of projects, made possible through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF), is an integral part of our efforts to promote active and public transportation while decreasing our greenhouse gas emissions. This is definitely a step in the right direction."

Marc Demers, Mayor of Laval

"The STL is very grateful for this new show of confidence from the Canadian and Quebec governments. We are particularly excited about this new set of projects, many of which will mark the history of the STL, notably in terms of electrification. The 14 approved projects will allow the STL not only to modernize its equipment, but also to maintain its status as a leader in providing passengers with real-time information and in embracing all forms of innovation, with the goal to provide service that is always more efficient and viable than solo driving." 

Éric Morasse, Vice-President of the Board of Directors of the Société de transport de Laval

"Once again today, we are joining with our government partners to support the STL in developing projects to benefit public transit users. These projects fall under the mission of the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain, aimed at facilitating collaboration among the various transportation partners and improving mobility in Greater Montréal, while decreasing our carbon footprint."

Paul Côté, Chief Executive Officer of the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada will invest 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.
• $28.7 billion of this funding will support public transit projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
• Over the next ten years, the Government of Quebec plans to invest more than $100.4 billion from the province's infrastructure plan in health, education and transportation, in order to improve families' quality of life and create conditions that support innovation and economic growth.

Related Products

Backgrounder

Governments of Canada and Quebec support better public transit services for Laval residents
Investment of more than $26.8 million

Public Transit Infrastructure Fund

The governments of Canada and Quebec are investing $26,851,988 in 14 projects being undertaken by the Société de transport de Laval(STL) to improve commute times, reduce air pollution, strengthen communities and grow the regional economy.

The Government of Canada is contributing $14,917,771, representing 50 percent of the total eligible costs, and the Province is providing $11,934,217, representing 40 percent of the total eligible costs. The Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) will provide the remaining funding.

List of new projects

Associated Links

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan (PDF Version):
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/site/alt-format/pdf/plan/icp-pic/IC-InvestingInCanadaPlan-ENG.pdf

Investing in Canada plan project map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html

Federal investments in infrastructure projects in Quebec: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/index-eng.html

Smart Cities Challenge: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/cities-villes/index-eng.html

Quebec Infrastructure Plan: https://www.tresor.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/PDF/budget_depenses/18-19/fr/8-Infrastructures_publiques_du_Quebec.pdf

Twitter: @INFC_eng 
Website: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada