A joint investment of more than $35 million from the federal and provincial governments and the City of St. John’s was announced today to enhance St. John’s public transit infrastructure.
This funding will support 18 transit projects in the St. John’s region, eight of which are accessible hybrid transit buses which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help fight climate change, while also increasing wheelchair accessibility on the Metrobus service in St. John’s.
Funding will also go towards the construction of shared-use paths throughout the city. This includes construction of the Kelly’s Brook shared-use path from Kings Bridge Road to Columbus Drive to create a continuous five kilometre active transportation route comfortable for use by people of all ages and abilities. The project also includes installation of lighting, rest areas, trailheads, signage and wayfinding. Once completed, this project will offer residents of St. John’s more options for their daily travels, while also promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
The Government of Canada is investing $15,845,668 in these 18 projects, while the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing $11,992,016 and the City of St. John’s is contributing $8,141,960.
Quotes
“We know the value of being able to safely and efficiently move around our communities, and an important element of that experience is access to transportation. I am very pleased with this investment which will not only increase accessibility within our busing system, but also increase access to our natural heritage.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
“The purchase of eight new hybrid buses is a welcomed investment to help address climate change in Newfoundland and Labrador. Passenger transportation accounts for over 20 per cent of our greenhouse gas emissions, so to see the City of St. John’s make a conscious effort to reduce their carbon footprint, making public transportation more environmentally friendly, is a positive step in the right direction.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“One of our City’s strategic directions is to be a city that moves, with a goal to expand and maintain a safe and accessible transportation network. The funding announced today will help us to achieve this goal, in addition to our goal to fight climate change and to reach net-zero by 2050. Investing in accessible hybrid buses and building new infrastructure such as the shared-use path network will allow more people, of all ages and abilities to move around our city and get where they need to go. Whether you are walking, cycling, using a mobility aid or pushing a stroller, building an accessible and well-connected transportation system is an important part of creating a healthy and vibrant community.”
His Worship Danny Breen
Mayor of the City of St. John’s
“Safe and reliable public transit systems contribute to making Canadian communities good places to live, work, and raise families. The Government of Canada’s investments in St. John’s hybrid transit buses and shared-use path projects will reduce commute times and help workers, students, seniors and families across St. John’s and beyond get where they need to go faster, cleaner and in affordable ways. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, tackles climate change and builds more inclusive communities.”
Joanne Thompson
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
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