Canada remains as the only OECD nation without a federal policy that ensures long-term, predictable transit investment.

With 61% of all operating costs for Canadian transit coming from passengers in the form of fares, Canada is severely lagging behind in terms of what their governments are contributing:

A substantial gap in government funding for Canadian transit when compared to other countries

According to the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA), between 2006 and 2010, there was a $20.7 billion national transit infrastructure deficit when it comes to fulfilling the basic requirements according to population.

These are compelling figures, giving Metro Vancouver’s mayors plenty of fodder for the upcoming federal election campaign.  Here are five strategies that the Mayors should consider to not only engage the public, but also to secure firm commitments from the leaders of the two main federal parties. Read the rest of this entry »