Moncton, New Brunswick, July 31, 2007 - Member of
Parliament for Fundy Royal, Rob Moore, on behalf of the Honourable
Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities,
together with the Honourable Denis Landry, provincial Minister of
Transportation, today announced that the City of Moncton will receive more
than $2.66 million in federal funding for public transit system
improvements under the Canada–New Brunswick Agreement on Public Transit.
The funding supports a five-year capital investment plan in which
Codiac Transit will buy eight wheelchair-accessible, low-emission buses
and an airport shuttle bus. Codiac Transit, which serves the communities
of Moncton, Dieppe and Riverview, also plans to build five new bus
shelters. This includes shelters at the Université de Moncton and Dieppe
City Hall that will serve as solar-powered demonstration sites. Four
intermodal transit stations, which will be designed to incorporate active
transportation features and accommodate other public transportation modes
including taxis, intercity and tour coaches as well as airport shuttles,
are also planned.
This investment will enhance service and increase route frequency by
introducing an arterial shuttle system. The city is also working with
local post-secondary institutions to develop a pass for students.
"Improved public transit is an important factor in enhancing the
quality of life for residents of Moncton and in communities across the
country," said Mr. Moore. "Canada's New Government is partnering with the
Government of New Brunswick to enable these projects, which will improve
public transit in the city and contribute to a cleaner environment. And
through our 'Building Canada' plan, we will continue to invest in modern,
world-class infrastructure across the country."
As a result of this investment, Codiac Transit will reduce the average
age of its bus fleet from more than nine years to less than six years.
Greenhouse gas emissions are projected to be reduced by 575 metric tonnes
by 2011. Traffic is forecast to be reduced by 1,100 vehicles daily.
"Bettering our public transit systems is a practical way to reduce
congestion on our streets and improve air quality," said Minister Landry.
"The provincial government is committed to long-term environmental
sustainability of in our province and we are pleased to work with the
Government of Canada and Codiac Transit on this important initiative."
The Department of Transportation assisted in preparing the agreements
and the capital investment plans, and will assist in the development of
transit strategies. The funds will be administered by the Regional
Development Corporation.
"The City of Moncton would like to thank the federal and provincial
governments for helping us as we continue to develop our transit system,"
said Moncton Mayor Lorne Mitton. "These investments will encourage more
people to take the bus, fostering a greener community which is a key
strategic priority for Moncton."
A total of $9.4 million is being invested in three New Brunswick
communities through the Canada-New Brunswick Agreement on the Transfer of
Federal Public Transit Funds. These investments will result in significant
environmental benefits, such as cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas
emissions.
Lowering transportation emissions contributes significantly to
reductions in both greenhouse gases and smog. According to the Department
of Transportation, about one-quarter of total greenhouse gas emissions in
New Brunswick are caused by transportation. Of this amount, over 70 per
cent arise from road transportation.
Funding for community public transit is one component of the
partnership investments Canada's New Government is making in
infrastructure. Through its unprecedented $33-billion "Building Canada"
plan, the government will provide long-term, stable and predictable
funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. "Building Canada"
will support a stronger, safer and healthier country, through
infrastructure projects that support cleaner air and water, a stronger
economy, and a better quality of life for our communities.
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Contacts:
Natalie Sarafian, Press secretary, Office of the Minister of
Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, 613-991-0700
Tracey Burkhardt, Director of Communications,
Transportation506-453-5634
Infrastructure Canada, 613-948-1148
Bruce MacfarlaneRegional Development Corporation,
506-444-4606
Paul Thomson, Director of Corporate Communications, City of
Moncton, 506-853-3592
