Ottawa has announced a $663 million investment in Metro Vancouver's public transportation system.
Funds will be delivered via the Canada Public Transportation Fund over a period of ten years, beginning in 2026.
In a press release, the government revealed that the investment will "will help increase the housing supply and affordability as part of complete, transit-oriented communities." It comes following a number of projects recently announced by TransLink, including new rapid bus routes and expansion to other parts of the Lower Mainland.
"Through a $663 million injection of reliable, predictable baseline funding for TransLink, this federal government is keeping Metro Vancouver residents connected to their work and communities," Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said. "The funding, which will focus on expansions, improvements, and repair, is critical to the stability and future of public transit in the region, including along the North Shore."
He emphasized that "reliable public transit infrastructure is key to reducing traffic, lowering air pollution, and improving affordability for all communities."
His sentiments were echoed by Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West, who said the funds were "foundational" to "ensur[ing] our transit system can keep up with record-setting population growth, support federal, provincial and local affordable housing targets and keep our economy moving."
TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn said he was "grateful" for the federal government's commitment to fund public transportation in the region.
"We are ready to meet the demands of our growing region through the Access for Everyone plan," he said, adding that he and his team "look forward to continuing work with the Government of Canada to advance much-needed transit expansion in Metro Vancouver."
This is just the latest in a series of investments the federal government has made in public transit over the years. Since 2015 alone, $30 billion has been committed to projects across the country.