The Canadian Urban Transit Association Calls for Making Public Transit a National Priority

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 9, 2012) -

Editors' note: A photo and a video are associated with this press release.

Dialogue begins this summer between the Government of Canada and major transit industry stakeholders as they take a major step forward in their partnership to develop the new Long Term Infrastructure Plan. The consultation will set the course for discussing better quality of life, vibrant economy, world-class public transit, and predictable long-term funding.

In support of the process, the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) launched a high-end video, "Let's Talk Public Transit" featuring Canadian transit experts and managers from across Canada. The video showcases the benefits of public transit and how federal investments have contributed to the quality of life of Canadians in their communities.

The video supports the recently launched online grassroots campaign "Take Action. Write to Minister Lebel" that aims at engaging dialogue on the national importance of transit and making sure public transit becomes a central-pillar of the next long-tem plan. Another visual component of this campaign is the development of a poster banner that encourages transit riders across the country to 'give their voice to vibrant economy, healthy living, and better transit'.

"The transit industry is a key driver of the Canadian economy," said Bob Paddon, CUTA Chair. "The Government of Canada has launched an engaging and transparent dialogue with the transit industry because it recognizes the importance of public transit to improving the quality of life of Canadians."

"We are committed to working very closely with Minister Lebel on this process and we will spare no effort in trying to make public transit a key component of the next long-term infrastructure plan," said Michael Roschlau, CUTA President and CEO. "We need dedicated, predictable and long term funding for public transit."

Mr. Roschlau's messages were echoed in the video by transit experts from different regions of the country.

"Access to public transit is access to the community's resources."

Sandy MacNeill, Former General Manager, Fredericton Transit

"Public transit provides people with mobility options and … it creates opportunities."

Koji Miyaji, General Manager, Bow Valley Regional Transit (Banff)

"It is clear that public transit investments have a direct impact, especially in terms of infrastructure. There is direct impact because jobs are generated in the community as soon as we invest in public transit.

Line Thiffeault, Assistant General Manager, Société de transport de l'Outaouais

"Without sustainable predictable long term funding we won't be able to exist. Challenge with transit is that there is demand, more people want it, and in order to be able not only to provide and maintain the service we have, but to increase it, we need sustainable predictable funding."

Manuel Achadinha, President and CEO, BC Transit

The "Let's Talk Public Transit" video can be found on CUTA website and on YouTube

Take Action! Write to Minister Lebel can be accessed by following @canadiantransit on Twitter, becoming a fan on CUTA's Facebook page or taking action at cutaactu.ca

About CUTA

CUTA is the collective and influential voice of public transportation in Canada, dedicated to being at the centre of urban mobility issues with all orders of government, and delivering the highest value to its members and the communities they serve. CUTA is the national association representing public transit systems, suppliers to the industry, government agencies, individuals and related organizations in Canada.

The photo associated with this press release is available at the following address: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120808-taka-eng-big.jpg

The video associated with this press release is available at the following address: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQtYFVNU7XQ