Canada is supporting the City of Guelph as the municipality transitions its regional public transportation fleet to electrically powered buses.
The federal government announced this month that it is officially allocating the first part of its 10-year, $16-million commitment through the Canada Public Transit Fund toward the purchase of two on-route electric bus charging systems.
The CPTF’s Baseline Funding stream is designed to encourage cleaner transportation options by providing predictable, long-term support to Canadian communities with existing transit systems.
“The Government of Canada’s 10-year allocation for public transit in Guelph provides stable and predictable funding to improve transit services, reduce carbon emissions, and build a more efficient transportation network,” says Dominique O’Rourke, Member of Parliament for Guelph.
“I am thrilled to see this significant investment in Guelph Transit to support a more connected, affordable, and sustainable community,” stated O’Rourke, who adds: “It builds on previous federal government investments for electric buses and a new transit garage.”
Cam Guthrie, who serves as the Mayor of the City of Guelph, says the funding “is great news as the City continues to purchase more buses to keep our residents moving.”
“This will improve our transit operations for everyone while maintaining affordability and helping reduce our environmental footprint,” commented the mayor.
Guelph’s Chief Administrative Officer, Tara Baker, believes this is an ideal “way to responsibly fund critical transit infrastructure.”
“This funding will provide a stable revenue stream over the next decade for Guelph Transit to be able to invest in projects that will contribute to improving not only rider experience,” Baker stated, “but also support accommodating new housing and job growth, as well as our climate and energy targets.”
There will be “many upcoming milestones” in Guelph to ensure continual growth of public transit and active transportation infrastructure, according to a statement.