Province to make $21.4M investment in green transit
The provincial government has committed $21.4 million to green transit projects for four Capital Region municipalities.
The funding was allocated in the 2014-15 provincial budget, but wasn’t announced until Friday.
The funding, which will be spent on new buses and park and ride infrastructure, comes out of the Green Transit Incentives Program (GreenTRIP).
“The transit projects we are supporting will connect Albertans throughout the Capital Region to the jobs and services they depend on. We are committed to investing in a modern, safe, efficient public transit network that supports economic growth while reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Transportation Minister Brian Mason said in a written statement Friday.
The funds are spread over transit projects in Strathcona County, Spruce Grove, Beaumont and Fort Saskatchewan. $10.7 million: Strathcona County will get 22 double-decker buses. $7.3 million: Spruce Grove is getting a park-and-ride facility, a bus storage facility, six commuter buses and four local buses.
$1.2 million: Beaumont will receive four low-floor commuter buses and funding for related infrastructure. $2.2 million: Fort Saskatchewan will build a 200 stall park and ride facility.
Earlier this fall, $28 million in GreenTRIP funding was announced to pay for a regional smart fare system, with the aim of integrating transit systems in the capital region. An additional $2 million was granted to St. Albert for the purchase of four electric buses.
Municipalities can apply to receive funding through GreenTRIP, which has a total budget of $2 billion, through its grant program.
According to a news release from Alberta Transportation, a total of $800 million has already been committed for expansion of public transit in the capital region.