The federal government is increasing its funding for two major transit-infrastructure projects in Quebec by approximately $1.1 billion.

The funding was announced Friday before Prime Minister Paul Carney called an election for April 28. The money will be used help construct the Quebec City Tramway and the Montreal Metro Blue line extension.

The Quebec City Tramway project will see an extra $332.3 million from Ottawa, bringing the federal contribution to more than $1.4 billion. The project involves the construction of a 19-kilometre, fully electric tram line, including 1.9 kilometres underground, 29 universally accessible stations, five interchanges, two park-and-ride facilities, and a fleet of about 30 cars.

The Montreal Metro Blue line extension will receive an additional $650 million, increasing the federal commitment to about $1.9 billion. The expansion includes five new metro stations along a six-kilometre tunnel, two bus terminals, an underground pedestrian tunnel, and other infrastructure. The extension is slated to open in 2031.

“Our government believes in public transit,” said Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Minister Nathaniel Erskine-Smith. . We are committed to improving and expanding public transit infrastructure across Canada,” said Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Minister Nathaniel (Nate) Erskine-Smith. “Close collaboration between federal, provincial and municipal governments is essential to achieving this goal.”

The federal government says these investments will improve mobility, reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, and create thousands of jobs in both cities.

Pictured: Workers at a portion of the Montreal Blue line extension project

Photo: © Société de transport de Montréal (STM)