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Canada-New Brunswick Governments Support Improved Transit Service in Fredericton
Fredericton, NB (May 18, 2010) – The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, and the Honourable Kelly Lamrock, Attorney General and Minister of Social Development, today joined Fredericton Deputy Mayor Bruce Grandy for a groundbreaking ceremony at the City of Fredericton’s new Transit Operations Centre. The new facility will improve transit services in the City of Fredericton.
“Our Government understands that public transit plays an important role in strengthening the economy and contributing to a healthier, more sustainable environment,” said Minister Ashfield. “Construction of the new Transit Operations Centre will allow for improved transit services in the City of Fredericton now and into the future.”
“The Government of New Brunswick is pleased to work directly with the City of Fredericton on this project,” said Lamrock. “This new Operations Centre will build capacity for future fleet and service enhancements. Using the reliable Fredericton Transit is a great idea this summer and next with the closure of the Princess Margaret Bridge. There is a wonderful opportunity for residents and commuters to get in the habit of parking their vehicles and reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions year-round.
“I want to thank the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick for their support of this important piece of infrastructure in our community,” said Mayor Brad Woodside. “This new building will allow for a more efficient transit operation and better protection of our transit fleet.”
Fredericton Transit operates eight bus routes throughout the municipality and allows for safe, inclusive access to public transit services for all residents in the City of Fredericton. The new transit centre will provide a storage and service facility for the City’s current fleet of 28 transit buses and 3 para-transit buses. The centre will also allow for future growth of the City’s transit services.
The total cost for this project is $6.1 million, with a federal contribution of $5.7 million from the 2006 Public Transit Capital Trust. The City of Fredericton is contributing $423,000 to the project.
The New Brunswick Department of Transportation, in cooperation with Municipal Transit agencies, is responsible for implementing five-year capital investment plans for transit service development under the Public Transit Capital Trust. The Trust fund is administered by New Brunswick’s Regional Development Corporation.
Funding for public transit is consistent with Government of Canada infrastructure investments that will stimulate the economy, create jobs and provide long-term community benefits. Beyond the funding highlighted today, through its Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has accelerated and expanded recent historic federal investment in infrastructure with almost $12 billion in stimulus funding towards projects that are to be completed by March 31, 2011.
Canada and New Brunswick are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure. Both governments have agreed to work together to ensure that these funds are delivered quickly and efficiently so that construction can begin as soon as possible.
For further information about the Government of Canada’s investments in public transit, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca and www.infrastructurecanada.gc.ca. For further information about the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca
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For further information contact:
- James Kusie, Office of Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister, 613-991-0700
- Infrastructure Canada, 613-948-1148
- Andrew Holland, Director of Communications, Department of Transportation, 506-453-5634
- Wayne Knorr, Communications Manager, City of Fredericton, 506-460-2181
