/R E P E A T -- Media Advisory - National Transit Leaders Meet with Federal Officials and Parliamentarians in Ottawa/

OTTAWA, Feb. 8, 2012 /CNW/ - Transit professionals from across Canada will be meeting with federal dignitaries in Ottawa this week during an annual advocacy week - dubbed "Transit Awareness Days"- coordinated by the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA). The delegation will meet more than 60 members of Parliament, including cabinet ministers and party leaders, to build practical partnership, discuss policy options, and garner support for public transit investment and improvement across Canada.

While the transit industry recognizes and supports the progress made by the Federal Government in addressing transit needs, the delegation will stress on the importance of public transit being a pillar of the Long-Term Infrastructure Plan, which is under development by the Government of Canada.  It will also continue a positive dialogue to advance the need for a sustainable and predictable funding mechanism for transit.

CUTA represents all aspects of transit: public transit authorities, manufacturers, suppliers, governments, agencies, and consultants. The vast majority of Canada's urban transit systems - from Victoria and Vancouver to Halifax and St. John's - are CUTA members. CUTA membership also includes leading-edge technology, manufacturing and made-in-Canada research & development expertise. CUTA representatives participating in the annual advocacy week will be coming from member organizations across Canada.

Interview opportunity:

To arrange interviews with CUTA Chair John King, and CUTA President and CEO Michael Roschlau, please contact:
Grace Elasmar, Communications Manager
Cell: 647.869.5404
Office: 416.365.9800 ext 118
[email protected]