Dialogue begins this summer between the Government of Canada and major transit industry stakeholders as they take a major step forward in their partnership to develop the new Long Term Infrastructure Plan. The consultation will set the course for discussing better quality of life, vibrant economy, world-class public transit and predictable long-term funding.

In support of the process, the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) launched a high-end video, "Let's Talk Public Transit," featuring Canadian transit experts and managers from across Canada. The video showcases the benefits of public transit and how federal investments have contributed to the quality of life of Canadians in their communities.

The video supports the recently launched online grassroots campaign "Take Action. Write to Minister Lebel" that aims at engaging dialogue on the national importance of transit and making sure public transit becomes a central-pillar of the next long-term plan. Another visual component of this campaign is the development of a poster banner that encourages transit riders across the country to “give their voice to vibrant economy, healthy living and better transit.”

"We are committed to working very closely with Minister Lebel on this process and we will spare no effort in trying to make public transit a key component of the next long-term infrastructure plan," said CUTA President/CEO Michael Roschlau. "We need dedicated, predictable and long term funding for public transit."

Roschlau's messages are echoed in the video by transit experts from different regions of the country.