Conference on the Present and Future of Canadian Urban Transit with the participation of Professor Manousi

On September 25, 2024, the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) hosted its annual Policy Forum at the Hilton Garden in Ottawa. The event brought together leading experts in public transit and urban mobility from across North America to discuss critical issues shaping the future of the industry in Canada.

Professor Akbar Manousi was one of the special guests of this event at the invitation of the Canadian Ministry of Transportation.

Key discussions at the forum focused on the economic and social impact of public transit, particularly its role in increasing access to affordable housing and boosting community productivity. In her keynote address, Renée Amilcar, President of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) and General Manager of OC Transpo, emphasized the need for regional coordination and comprehensive planning to ensure that transit systems can meet the growing demands of Canadian cities.

One of the primary concerns raised was the funding gap for public transit infrastructure. While the federal government’s Permanent Public Transit Fund is set to launch in 2026, many transit systems are currently struggling to secure the necessary resources for maintenance and expansion. Marco D’Angelo, President and CEO of CUTA, highlighted the need for immediate federal support to bridge this gap, especially given the rapid population growth in Canada.

The issue of transit safety and security also took center stage, with increasing incidents of violence on transit systems across the country. CUTA called on the federal government to create a $75 million annual fund to enhance security measures, including staffing, station improvements, and public awareness initiatives.

The event underscored the crucial role of public transit in Canada’s urban future, with speakers calling for stronger collaboration between municipal, provincial, and federal governments to ensure the continued development of safe, efficient, and sustainable transit systems.

For more details, visit the CUTA official website.