St. John’s is purchasing new electric buses and upgrading Metrobus Transit’s facilities after a combined investment of over $50.3 million from the federal, provincial and municipal governments.

“The federal government is committed to working with our provincial and municipal partners to improve public transit and reduce emissions across the country. The transit upgrades announced today in St. John’s will benefit Metrobus users and help us work towards a more sustainable future.”

Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“We recognize the importance of public transit in how users access and experience their towns and cities. It is incumbent upon all levels of government to help ensure public transit infrastructure is as environmentally friendly as it can be. This funding will help Metrobus in achieving that goal.”

The Honourable Fred Hutton, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“The transportation needs of our population is evolving quickly, and we have seen a significant increase in ridership for Metrobus. This investment into our fleet and infrastructure to support electrification will help build a more sustainable public transportation system that will better meet the needs of our residents, all while reducing our carbon footprint.”

His Worship Danny Breen, Mayor of the City of St. John’s

• The federal government is investing $22,852,237 in these projects through the Public Transit Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing $16,774,766, and the City of St. John’s is contributing $10,702,328.

• These projects will serve as a step towards meeting Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

• The Public Transit Stream supports the building, expansion, and upgrading of urban and rural transit networks.

• Including today’s announcement, over 27 infrastructure projects under the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream have been announced in Newfoundland and Labrador, with a total federal contribution of more than $44.9 million and a total provincial contribution of over $33.7 million.

• 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.

• The funding announced today builds on the federal government's work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying jobs and strengthen local economies.

• The new Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF) will provide an average of $3 billion a year of permanent funding to respond to local transit needs by enhancing integrated planning, improving access to public transit and active transportation, and supporting the development of more affordable, sustainable, and inclusive communities.

• Over ten years from 2026, the City of St. John’s will receive up to $13,094,230 through the CPTF Baseline Funding stream.

• The CPTF supports transit and active transportation investments in three streams: Metro Region Agreements, Baseline Funding, and Targeted Funding.

Associated links

• Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
• Public Transit Infrastructure Stream
• Canada Public Transit Fund
• Federal infrastructure investments in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Strengthened Climate Plan

For more information (media only), please contact:

Sofia Ouslis
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Sofia.Ouslis@infc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

Maria Browne
Media Relations Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Transportation and Infrastructure
709-699-6147
mbrowne@gov.nl.ca

Jackie O’Brien
Manager, Corporate Communications
City of St. John’s
Tel. 709-576-8491
Cel. 709-330-6957
jobrien@stjohns.ca