Investing in Public Transportation

Today the City of St. John's and the Government of Canada announced a major investment of $2.6 million dollars for improvements to public transportation in the city of St. John’s. Funding will enhance transit with 18 new accessible buses that will be fitted with video surveillance for increased driver and passenger safety. In addition, 29 wheelchair accessible bus shelters will be added along six Metrobus routes, and a new transit operations system will be installed.
 
“The City of St. John's is pleased to contribute over $1.3 million to improve infrastructure and service for GoBus and Metrobus customers,” said Mayor Dennis O’Keefe. “Our goal is to ensure that accessible, affordable transportation is provided to all residents in a safe manner, and these upgrades will make a positive difference in the lives of many residents.”
 
City Council are thankful to the federal government for this important investment in our community.
 
“The Government of Canada recognizes that we need a solid partnership with all orders of government to support infrastructure projects that help the middle class grow and prosper now and into the future, “ said Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John's East, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “Getting people where they need to go safely, efficiently and comfortably is fundamental to economic growth and I’m very pleased to see how this new funding program will yield benefits for transit users in St. John’s.”
 
The investment will also provide an upgrade to the system used by GoBus to schedule trips and meet user demands.
 
“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to collaborate with the Federal Government and municipal governments to assist communities as they pursue regional infrastructure improvements,” said the Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment. “The funding announced supports modernization, operational efficiencies and improved accessibility for users of the municipal transit system, and these investments will contribute to more sustainable, efficient and effective delivery of services for residents.”
 
Further details are available on the Government of Canada website.
 
Media Contact:
Kelly Maguire
Media Relations
City of St. John's
709-576-8491
kmaguire@stjohns.ca