Public transit keeps communities connected, supports local economies and provides affordable, reliable access to jobs, services and opportunities. In rural communities in Canada, these investments help communities bring innovative transit solutions to life, strengthen existing rural transit systems, and lead to real benefits for residents. This provides equitable access to essential services, greater social connection, reduced reliance on personal vehicles, and a positive impact to environmental sustainability.

“We’re proud to deliver on investments that strengthen transportation networks in Quebec’s rural and remote communities. By working together, we’re building our communities strong, supporting critical infrastructure growth and sustainability, and securing a prosperous future for Quebec communities. I look forward to future collaboration with the government of Quebec, on infrastructure investments that will benefits its residents”

The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

“Intergovernmental collaboration and understanding helps us Build Canada Strong, prioritizing the economy, and enabling businesses to thrive amid global economic uncertainty. This agreement will help support rural communities by investing in local transit solutions that fit their needs.”

The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant

"For several years, the Government of Quebec has been investing to improve rural public transit to meet mobility needs across all regions. The agreement reached today adds federal funding to our existing efforts through our regional public transit assistance programs. This intergovernmental collaboration demonstrates our shared commitment to implementing solutions tailored to the realities of rural communities.”

Jonatan Julien, Quebec’s Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility

“It's through strong collaboration that we can truly help our communities stabilize and grow their economies. Whether through investments in public transit, housing or other essential infrastructure, we are collectively building more resilient and healthy communities.”

Linda Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles

• The Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF) supports initiatives that enhance access to public transit, helping residents of rural, remote, Indigenous and Northern communities conduct their day-to-day activities. By improving the availability and reliability of public transit options, the RTSF helps build stronger, more connected communities across the country.

• The RTSF supports a range of public transit models including fixed-route transit, flex-route transit, demand-response transit, community shuttles and mobility-as-a-service. In addition to supporting rolling stock, it also provides funding for fixed infrastructure that enhances access to public transit.

• The RTSF consists of two funding streams: the Planning and Design Projects stream which supports the planning and design activities of a transit system and the Capital Projects stream which supports the purchasing of public transit assets such as vehicles and supporting infrastructure. Both streams are currently closed.

• The Government of Quebec supports public transportation in rural areas, notably through the Programme d’aide au développement du transport collectif and the Programme d’aide au transport collectif régional – Municipalité amie des aînés.

• Regional organizations are also eligible for public transit capital projects programs, including the Public Transit Capital Assistance Program administered by the Société de financement des infrastructures locales du Québec and the Programme d’aide gouvernementale au transport collectif des personnes.

Associated links

• Rural Transit Solutions Fund
• Aide financière au transport collectif régional [FR]
• Aide financière au transport collectif régional – Municipalité amie des aînés [FR]
• Aide aux immobilisations en transports en commun [FR]
• Programme d’aide gouvernementale au transport collectif des personnes [FR]

For more information (media only), please contact:

Renée LeBlanc Proctor
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for
Pacific Economic Development Canada
Renee.Proctor@infc.gc.ca

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