Calgary Transit getting millions of dollars in relief from province, feds

Calgary, along with several other cities and towns across Alberta, is getting millions of dollars in relief funding from both the provincial and federal governments.

Calgary Transit was in dire need of financial support as many bus routes were reduced and low ridership rates rose through the course of the pandemic.

Mayor Gondek addresses the shortfalls that public transit has seen due to the #COVID19 pandemic and the lack of ridership. Acknowledging that this funding will help see Calgary through this and continue to provide much needed transportation for citizens of #calgary pic.twitter.com/UzetKinJJ6

— Nick Blakeney (@CameraGuyNick) April 13, 2022

Premier Jason Kenney was joined by Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek and other officials for the announcement.

“Transit service is a vital component to economic recovery as people start to get back to work,” Kenney said. “We are pleased to provide assistance to ensure that busses and LRT services continue to move around their communities in the province.”

The province and feds are committing $79.5M each in funding. Calgary is getting more than $82M which makes up the bulk of the money, while 26 other municipalities across the province are also getting various dollar amounts to help with their transit systems.

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Mayor Gondek says the relief will make help make up for lost revenue.

“The pandemic was an additional layer of complication and struggle for people,” Gondek said. “I’m happy to say that we are 60% recovered in terms of ridership, and this funding for our operating shortfalls will allow us to keep going.”

She said it will also help the city move closer to bringing back critical bus routes.

–With files from the Canadian Press