Canada and Quebec support improved transit services in the Outaouais
Published : 08-29-2017
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.
Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament for Hull/Aylmer, Steven MacKinnon, Member of Parliament for Gatineau, Stéphanie Vallée, Minister of Justice, Minister Responsible for the Outaouais Region and Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for Gatineau, and members of the regional caucus, Maryse Gaudreault, MNA for Hull, Marc Carrière, MNA for Chapleau, and Alexandre Iracà, MNA for Papineau, today announced an investment of over $31.6 million for seven Société de transport de l'Outaouais projects under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. The Government of Canada will provide more than $17.5 million for these projects and the Government of Quebec will contribute more than $14 million. The Société de transport de l'Outaouais will provide the remaining funding.
The projects made possible through this contribution include the purchase of 21 hybrid buses, an extension of the Rapibus line between Labrosse and Lorrain boulevards, measures to improve passenger information and data collection, and studies for the next phases of extending the Rapibus line.
Once completed, these projects will improve the performance, efficiency and reliability of Outaouais' transit system, make it more inclusive, and meet the community's immediate needs while preparing for anticipated increases in future ridership.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is investing in projects that contribute to building sustainable communities while promoting economic development and the growth of the middle class. I am very pleased that these investments will allow the STO to study sustainable westbound routes from Gatineau, improve commute times, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the overall user experience, preparing the Outaouais region for future growth.”
Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament for Hull/Aylmer
“I am happy to recognize the Government of Canada's contribution to extending the Rapibus line between Labrosse and Lorrain boulevards. This new section will expand Outaouais transit services by better accommodating users living east of Gatineau. Investing in public transit helps transform the way Canadians live, travel and work, so they can spend more time with their families.”
Steven MacKinnon, Member of Parliament for Gatineau
"I am pleased to announce, on behalf of my colleague, Mr. Laurent Lessard, Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification, these investments by the Government of Quebec, Canada and the municipalities. They will contribute to the maintenance, improvement and development of infrastructure, and equipment, thus improving the fluidity of travel and the experience of users."
Stéphanie Vallée, Minister of Justice, Minister Responsible for the Outaouais Region and Member of the National Assembly for Gatineau
"The funding of these projects will contribute to Gatineau's economic growth while improving air quality and the quality of life of its citizens. These eco-friendly options will make Gatineau a coveted place for families and workers looking for a modern, sustainable and safe lifestyle."
Members of the Outaouais Region caucus
“Investing in public transit contributes to better mobility for all. Today's announcement will support revitalization projects under our Strategic Plan 2016?2026 to provide high-quality services and enhance the user experience. We would like to thank our partners for supporting public transit development in the Outaouais and for their commitment to walking this path with us.”
Gilles Carpentier, Chair of the Société de transport de l'Outaouais
“Today's announcement is the tangible result of a new partnership between the City of Gatineau and the governments of Canada and Quebec for investing in public transit. These investments will contribute to the city's smart growth by encouraging sustainable mobility. This announcement is also the starting point of a new long-term partnership for investing in public transit development projects that will help address Gatineau's current transportation issues.”
Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin, Mayor of Gatineau
Quick Facts
* The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
* To support public transit, Budget 2017 is allocating $25.3 billion. This amount includes $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
* Over the next 10 years, the Government of Quebec plans to invest more than $91.1 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.
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Fiches (French version only)
