Canada slates C$3.4 billion for passenger rail
Written by Keith
Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced details of phase 1 of the federal government's new infrastructure plan, which was unveiled as part of the 2016 budget on March 22, 2016.
The budget allocates C$3.4 billionn (US$2.6 billion) in federal funding over the next three years to “upgrade and improve public transit systems across Canada” in a bid to satisfy the need for “immediate investment” in public transport.
To get projects moving quickly, the government says it will meet up to 50% of eligible costs, with funding allocated to municipalities based on the provincial share of national transit ridership. This means Ontario, which has 44% of ridership, will be eligible for up to C$1.48 billion from a new Public Transit Infrastructure Fund, while Quebec would receive up to C$924 million and British Columbia up to C$460 million.
The government says the funding could be used for infrastructure upgrades on the Montreal metro; new subway cars and streetcars for the Toronto Transit Commission; and accelerating design and implementation of major projects, including new light rail lines in Greater Vancouver and Ottawa.
VIA Rail
The 2016 budget allocates little in the way of additional funds for beleaguered national passenger operator VIA Rail, although the government says it will provide C$3.3 million over three years for “in-depth assessment” of Via Rail’s C$3 billion proposal for high-frequency electrified services on the Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal corridor; C$7.7 million in the current financial year to fund “pre-procurement activities” for new rolling stock, grade crossing safety enhancements and station security; and $C34 million to modernize stations and maintenance facilities.
