Extended Bus Rapid Transit route to ease commutes for residents of Calgary Southeast

CALGARY, Nov. 15, 2018 /CNW/ - Investing in efficient public transit infrastructure is essential to creating livable sustainable communities where people spend less time in traffic and more time with their families.

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Brian Mason, Minister of Alberta Transportation, and His Worship Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary, gathered in Calgary to celebrate the launch of the 17 Ave. S.E. BRT extension.

The second of a two-phase project to extend the 17 Ave. S.E. BRT line, this project involved building three bridges, a new roadway, and transit stations between 9 Ave. S.E. and 28 Street S.E.

The work will provide thousands of transit riders in Southeast Calgary with a direct route to the downtown core, improving people's connections to their jobs, schools and public services while reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.

Quotes

"Federal funding for public transit infrastructure is helping Calgary keep pace with residents' changing needs and get them where they need to go more easily. We are proud to have helped make the 17 Ave. S.E. BRT extension possible, which will improve travel times for Southeast residents, reduce gridlock and help prepare Alberta's biggest city for future development."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"We know that Calgarians would rather spend less time in traffic and more time doing the things they enjoy. That's why this investment in efficient public transit is so important. It will help improve people's access not only to essential services, but also to their families, jobs and schools. I am proud that we are continuing to ensure Albertans have affordable and environmentally sustainable transportation options."

The Honourable Brian Mason, Minister of Alberta Transportation

"The new MAX line will make taking transit easier and provide critical connections to the places Calgarians want and need to go. With dedicated lanes, fewer stops, larger platforms, and heated shelters, MAX ensures riders can commute comfortably. Creating these transit connections is about more than getting people around the city ? it's about making life better every day. A reliable and convenient transit system is crucial to supporting a strong economy and healthy, vibrant communities."

His Worship Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary

Quick facts

• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• $28.7 billion of this funding will support public transit projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
• The Government of Canada provided $42,500,000 to this project, representing fifty per cent of the total cost. The Government of Alberta and the City of Calgary each provided $21,250,000 to cover the remaining costs.

Associated links

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map

Federal infrastructure investments in Alberta: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/ab-eng.html

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Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada