Canada and Quebec support invest in Sherbrooke public transit

The governments of Canada and Quebec, in recognition of the fact that investing in public transit infrastructure is crucial to economic growth, reducing air pollution, and creating inclusive communities where everyone has access to public services and job opportunities, have announced investments of over $10.8 million for five projects in Sherbrooke.

Compton‒stanstead MP and Minister of International Development Marieclaude Bibeau, and Sherbrooke MNA and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region, Luc Fortin, made the announcement Friday of investments in five projects being carried out by the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS) under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. The Government of Canada will provide more than $6 million and the Government of Quebec will contribute over $4.8 million. The STS will provide the remaining funding.

“Modern efficient public transit infrastructure plays an important role in developing sustainable communities,” Bibeau said.”by investing in Sherbrooke’s public transit system, the Government of Canada is helping to improve residents’ mobility and provide key amenities to support economic development in our region.”

Among the projects covered are the purchase of hybrid urban buses to maintain the average age of the STS fleet at eight years, and the purchase of adapted buses. The STS will also be able to expand and modernize its garage to meet growing needs in terms for refueling, mechanical maintenance, and indoor parking spaces.

Once completed, this work is expected to improve the performance, efficiency, and reliability of Sherbrooke’s transit system, make it more inclusive and allow the STS to meet the community’s immediate needs while preparing for anticipated future increases in ridership.