A modern public transit system means shorter commute times : Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Toronto : A modern public transit system means shorter commute times, less air pollution, more time with family and friends, and stronger economic growth. Now is the time to invest in building new urban transit networks.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced up to $1.09 billion in funding for the Ottawa Light Rail Transit Stage 2 Project, which will better connect the east, west and south areas of Canada’s capital. The Province of Ontario has also made a similar funding commitment to the project. The City of Ottawa is responsible for the balance of the funding.

With Ottawa’s population expected to grow to 1.14 million people over the next 15 years, it is important that the city’s public transit becomes more efficient and inclusive for residents and visitors. Stage 2 of this project will see an additional 38.8 kilometres of rail and 23 new stations added to Stage 1 of the light rail transit system currently under construction. This new stage of construction will begin in 2018.

When construction is completed in 2023, 70 per cent of Ottawa residents will live within five kilometres of light rail transit. In addition to reducing congestion, increasing ridership, and improving safety, the expansion will allow people from Orléans, Nepean, and South Ottawa to quickly and easily get around the city.