The Canadian federal government ensured that it will be an equal-funding partner in major transit projects by committing itself to a federal contribution limit of 33% for the Public Transit Fund (PTF). Also announced was a subsequent increase in the contribution limit to the P3 Canada Fund from 25% to 33%.

The one-third model of infrastructure investment, which sees equal cost-share from federal, provincial and municipal governments, has been a framework that the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) has advocated for publicly and in consultation with government.

The government also announced $2.6 billion in funding for Toronto's SmartTrack Regional Rail Express Line, conditional on the project's application approval.

"The new Public Transit Fund has the potential to create legacy transit infrastructure in Canadian cities. We look forward to continuing to advise and provide information to the government about Canada's growing transit industry as this new fund takes effect," said CUTA’s President/CEO Patrick Leclerc.

As the PTF will be administered by P3 Canada, projects receiving funding will include private sector involvement, through private-sector financing and alternative-funding mechanisms.

The PTF will fund projects with an estimated cost of over $1 billion based on merit. CUTA is hopeful that small- and medium-sized transit projects will now receive increased funding through the New Building Canada Fund as major transit projects will be applying for funding through the PTF.