TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 21, 2013) - The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) today applauded the federal government's Building Canada Plan as a major step for planning and developing public transit in Canadian communities. Unveiled by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty in the 2013 Federal Budget, the ten-year plan includes over $53 billion in new and existing funding for federal investments in provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure, including public transit.

"We're really pleased to see this kind of commitment for public transit infrastructure," said Robert Paddon, Chair of CUTA. "We have been working closely with the federal government in developing this plan. We're glad to see this government has delivered. This is a tangible investment that will make a difference, and provides a long-term framework to allow provinces, territories and municipalities to plan and build for the future."

"Never before has a federal government invested so much in public transit," adds Michael Roschlau, President and CEO of CUTA. "This budget provides a solid framework to ensure that this will continue."

The introduction of a Community Improvement Fund, a new Building Canada Fund, a renewed P3 Canada Fund and indexation of the existing Gas Tax Fund, all of which include public transit, provides a balanced cross-section of investment opportunities to renew and build public transit and mobility options for Canadians.

The new Building Canada Plan is a critical step toward a long-term transit vision. "CUTA will continue to advocate for dedicated investment in public transit and for federal collaboration with provinces, territories and municipalities in developing an overarching urban mobility action plan. What we're seeing today - significant funding over a long-term time frame - is the backbone of such an initiative, and an important step toward the realization of a concerted multi-jurisdictional effort to plan and promote integrated mobility solutions," concludes Roschlau.

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.