PUBLIC TRANSIT PLAYS VITAL ROLE IN CANADIAN ECONOMY

OTTAWA, Oct. 25 /CNW/ - The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) today highlighted the positive economic impacts associated with public transit.  In the context of the House of Commons Finance Committee's Pre-Budget Consultations, and prior to CUTA's appearance before the Committee, CUTA President & CEO Michael Roschlau reiterated the need for strong investments in public transit.

"Sound public transit is one of the very pillars upon which an economy is built," said Roschlau.  "Transit systems generate employment in construction, professional services, research and development, and many other areas of the economy."

Investment in transit shows an impressive economic return.  The economic benefit of Canada's existing transit systems is at least $10 billion annually, or almost 1 per cent of Canada's entire gross domestic product.  Improvements to Canada's public transit systems will help lead the country out of deficit and recession in the months and years to come.

The economic benefits associated with public transit include:

• The transit industry directly employs over 45,000 Canadians and indirectly creates an additional 24,000 jobs;
• Transit reduces vehicle operating costs for Canadian households by about $5 billion annually, or close to one thousand after tax dollars per household per year;
• Transit reduces the economic costs of traffic collisions by almost $2.5 billion annually and reduces annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2.4 million tonnes; and 
• Transit saves 115 million dollars in annual health care costs related to respiratory illness.

"The public transit industry fully recognizes the economic challenges Canada faces," concluded Roschlau.  "Nonetheless, it is now more important than ever that specific financial commitments to transit infrastructure are seen for what they are - a critical investment in the economy we must build for current and future generations."

Background:
CUTA Finance Committee Fall 2010 Pre-Budget Submission
CUTA Finance Committee Fall 2010 Pre-Budget Oral Presentation
Media Event Speaking Notes on the Economic Benefits of Public Transit

CUTA is the national association representing public transit systems, suppliers to the industry, government agencies, individuals and related organizations in Canada.

For further information:

Maureen Shuell, CUTA Director of Communications
Office: [phone] ext. 105

Alana Fontaine
[phone] (cell)