CARLETON-SUR-MER, QC, May 17, 2024
/CNW/ - The Government of Canada
is improving public transit in the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine
region and the communities of Métis-sur-Mer with a federal
investment of $5,450,000. These funds
will be used to purchase buses, vehicles, install charging stations
and conduct a transit assessment.
Announced by Minister Diane
Lebouthillier these three projects will offer more
public transportation options for these rural communities.
Investing in public transit infrastructure is fundamental to
economic growth, reducing air pollution, and creating inclusive
communities, where everyone has access to public services and
employment opportunities.
The funding announced will be used to purchase three zero
emission vehicles, with seating for six to eight passengers, and
three charging stations to offer on-demand transit connecting the
municipalities of Métis-sur-Mer, Grand-Métis, Baie-des-Sables et Saint-Octave de Métis in the Lower St.
Lawrence region.
The Régie Intermunicipale de Transport
Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine (RÉGÎM) will also receive funding to
purchase 21 buses, including ten for accessible paratransit, 11
regular buses, 12 charging facilities and 38 charging stations,
which includes 18 fast charging stations. Funding is also being
provided in support of a regional transit feasibility study.
The aim of these projects is to facilitate access to as many
sustainable mobility options as possible in the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la
Madeleine and the Métis-sur-Mer communities to meet everyday
travel needs such as getting to work, accessing healthcare and
using other modes of public transit to reduce reliance on personal
vehicles and lower GHG emissions.
These investments in public transit will help make these
communities more inclusive and enhance the quality of life for
users of these services by making it easier for them to get
around.
Quotes
"When we invest in the quality of our transportation services,
we also strengthen ties between people, broaden access to essential
services, and foster the creation of more sustainable and inclusive
environments. That's why the Government of Canada is proud to support three rural public
transit projects in the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine region and
the Métis-sur-Mer regions. It's more than just the addition of a
new vehicle or routes, it's an investment in a future where
everyone can prosper, and where our rural communities can
flourish."
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries,
Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for
Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, on behalf of the Honourable Sean
Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
''I am delighted with this federal investment in the development
of our public transit system! It underlines the importance of
promoting sustainable mobility and encouraging ecological travel
choices. This announcement is a decisive step towards a future
where our roads will be travelled by renewable energy powered
vehicles. Our communities will have greener choices that are more
respectful of our environment."
Mathieu Lapointe, maire de
Carleton-sur-Mer
"With this federal investment, we are taking a crucial step
toward more fluid and inclusive mobility for our communities. This
announcement marks the start of a significant transformation in the
way we move and interact within our region. Together, we are
shaping a sustainable future where connectivity and accessibility
become essential pillars of our quality of life."
Daniel Côté, President, RÉGÎM
" Our NPO aims to develop healthy, inclusive and ecological
living environments. The issue of public transportation is a key
variable in keeping seniors in their communities. The addition of
three electric vehicles to Métis-sur-Mer will allow us to support
local communities with a view to sustainable health."
Philippe Dufort, President and
General Manager, CMētis
Quick Facts
- The federal government is investing $5,450,000 towards three projects through the
Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF).
- The RTSF helps Canadians living in rural and remote areas
get around their communities more easily. It supports the
development of rural transit solutions, including new transit
service models that could be replicated or scaled up.
- A minimum of 10% of RTSF's funding is allocated to
projects that benefit Indigenous populations and communities.
- One in five Canadians live in rural communities. Rural
communities in Canada account for
nearly 30% of the nation's gross domestic product.
- The RTSF complements Canada's strengthened climate plan: A Healthy
Environment and a Healthy Economy. Through the plan the federal
government has committed to providing permanent federal funding for
public transit in support of making clean and affordable
transportation available in every community.
- Since 2015, the federal government has committed over
$30 billion for public transit and
active transportation projects. These historic investments have
resulted in close to 2000 projects across the country.
Associated Links
Rural Transit Solutions Fund
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/rural-trans-rural/index-eng.html
Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html
Federal infrastructure investments in Quebec
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-qc-eng.html
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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada