October 24, 2011
New Mowat research on the need for a comprehensive federal strategy for public transit.
Toronto – The Mowat Centre at the University of Toronto has released a new research report that proposes a blueprint for a federal transit strategy. The report, Putting Canada on Track: A Blueprint for a National Transit Framework, argues that federal investment should maximize the environmental and economic impact of taxpayer dollars.
The federal government recognizes the importance of efficient transit to our economy and environment. But it currently contributes less than 11 percent of transit funding, through a patchwork of different funds that are largely dispersed on a per capita or project merit – sometimes derided as ‘lottery’ – basis.
According to Josh Hjartarson, Mowat Centre Policy Director and author of the report, “the programs are muddled, funding is unpredictable, and decisions are not made as part of a coherent long-term plan. Federal transit investment needs to be more strategic”.
The report points out that transit investment is highly stimulative, generating up to six dollars in economic activity for every dollar invested. Transit investment is also an important component of any credible strategy to reduce greenhouse gases.
“Federal transit investment needs to be focused on where it would do the most good – namely the city regions of Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. It would be a shame if the federal government equalizes its transit investment in order to avoid offending anyone,” he adds.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Urban Transit Association, and the Toronto Board of Trade are pushing for a federal transit strategy. Parliament is currently considering a private member’s bill to create a national transit strategy.
The report proposes the consolidation of transit authority at the regional level. Canada needs a well-designed national strategy and targeted national funding for its big city regions.
“Urban transit increasingly transcends municipal borders. We need to concentrate decision making at the regional level so that Canada can undertake long-term, strategic investment planning for public transit. In Canada, building transit infrastructure takes longer than it should because too many governments are involved,” says Matthew Mendelsohn, Director of the Mowat Centre.
Read the full report
