Canadian public transit ridership for the first six months of 2012 showed remarkable growth across Canada, registering an increase of 3.2% over the same period a year earlier, according to the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA).

"Year after year we observe the same upward trend, with transit ridership growing significantly faster than population," says CUTA President/CEO Michael Roschlau. "People using public transit come from very different backgrounds and ways of life. On the same system you will find commuters who have left their car at home, cyclists, students, seniors, business people, frequent and occasional riders. This is really what transit is about: providing universal access and mobility by offering efficient and alternative transportation in a way that enhances quality of life."

While this growth is impressive, the increased popularity of public transit does not come as a surprise.

"A recent national survey conducted by Harris Decima on behalf of CUTA showed that 94% of Canadians say it is important or very important for their community to have access to public transit," said CUTA Chair Bob Paddon. "And even more impressive, 91% of people who don't use transit consider it important or highly important for their community to have access to transit."

CUTA is the national association representing public transit systems, suppliers to the industry, government agencies, individuals and related organizations in Canada. Over the last year CUTA has been working closely with the federal government on the development of Canada's next long term infrastructure plan. A key recommendation from CUTA is for the next infrastructure plan to include incremental and dedicated funding for public transit.