Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, will be receiving join funding to establish a structuring public transit network and will integrate several modes of public transit, according to an announcement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Quebec’s Minister of Transport and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region, François Bonnardel.
"Today is a great day for the people of Quebec City,” said Prime Minister Trudeau. “With this historic investment in the city's public transit network, we are helping residents get around more quickly and access the services they need, while making Quebec City greener. We will continue to listen to communities across Canada and work together to invest in the infrastructure they need."
The project includes an investment from the city of Quebec. Once complete, Quebec City's public transit network will include two trambus lines over a total of 15 kilometers (9.3 miles), as well as a 23-kilometer (14.3 miles)-long tramway line. Today's funding will also help improve current Metrobus lines and build 16 kilometers (9.9 miles) of dedicated bus lanes and four new park-and-ride lots.
Four hubs will allow users to transfer from one system to another within the transit network, and two new automated links will make travel between Lower Town and Upper Town easier.
Thanks to the new structuring public transit network, people in Quebec City will be able to move more quickly around their city and benefit from modern, efficient and flexible public transit services, designed to meet the needs of current and future residents.
"I am very pleased that the funding for the Quebec City structuring public transit network project is now secured,” said Minister Bonnardel. “This is an important step, which will enable us to continue with the preparations for this major project for Quebec City. The structural network will extend over more than 54 kilometers [33.6 miles], making travel faster and more efficient for users. It is clear that this project will contribute to Quebec City's development, and help it to remain on the cutting edge with respect to public transit."
Quick Facts
In 2016, the government of Canada launched the largest infrastructure plan in Canada’s history. Since then, it has funded hundreds of infrastructure projects to expand highways, build new roads and help drivers throughout Canada get around more easily and safely.
The government of Canada will invest up to $1.2 billion (US$903.9 million) in Quebec City’s structuring public transit network through the Investing in Canada infrastructure program. The government of Quebec will invest $1.8 billion (US$1.356 billion) to deliver the project, and the City of Québec will provide $300 million (US$226 million).
Through the Investing in Canada plan, the government of Canada is investing over $180 billion (US$135.611 billion) over 12 years in public transit, green and social infrastructure, transportation infrastructure that supports business, and rural and northern communities.
Of that funding, $28.7 billion (21.622 billion) will go to public transit projects, including $5 billion (US$3.767 billion) available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
Through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund, the government of Canada has so far invested over $737 million (US$555.255 million) to carry out 312 projects in Quebec to improve public transit services in the province.
The Quebec Infrastructure Plan provides $115.4 billion (US$86.946 billion) in investments from 2019-2029 to maintain and develop public infrastructure, up 15 percent over the preceding period.
The transportation sector accounts for 25 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. Investments in public transit help to improve travel, reduce air pollution, build stronger communities and help grow Canada’s economy.
