The federal government unveiled a groundbreaking transit fund recently that will specifically help rural communities.
Previously most major transit funds have been exclusively for urban communities or for both urban and rural communities. The new Rural Transit Solutions Fund however will only be accessible to remote and rural communities.
Fisheries and Oceans Minister Bernadette Jordan who previously was previously the Rural Economic Development Minister explained why that’s important, “Each rural community has very specific needs which are often very unique so that’s why we’ve set up a fund that allows them to find the solutions that work for their community,” Jordan said.
Minister Jordan also says in many cases rural transit projects struggle to turn a profit but the other benefits they provide outweigh that cost. “Often I think about what’s the cost of not doing something versus the cost of doing it,” she said. “In many of these communities getting expensive taxis is the only option which limits people from accessing medical care or getting to their jobs all of which are things people need to be able to do.”
The fund was originally announced on August 4 and the application process has since opened. Minister Jordan says as applications arrive they are ready to start getting funds out there.
There are three separate funding streams as part of the fund. The first is limited to $50,000 in support of project planning for future capital projects or pilot projects. The second stream allows for a maximum of $3 million to help cover capital costs (e.g. purchase of a vehicle or digital platforms) and lastly organizations can apply for up to $5 million to support zero-emission transit solutions.
The program also allows local governments that operate in close proximity to submit joint applications for collaborative transit projects.
