The federal government is committing more than $55 million in long-term funding for Halifax Transit, aiming to support upgrades, maintenance, and expansion of public transit infrastructure in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).
The investment is part of the Canada Public Transit Fund’s Baseline Funding stream, which provides annual allocations to communities with existing transit systems.
This funding, which will be distributed between 2026 and 2036, is tied to improving transit-oriented development, with a focus on increasing housing supply, reducing congestion, and supporting sustainability efforts. The HRM must submit a capital plan and sign a funding agreement before the money is released.
“Stable and predictable funding for public transit is essential to keeping our communities connected and our economy moving,” said Veterans Affairs Minister and Dartmouth–Cole Harbour MP Darren Fisher. “This $55 million investment will help modernize our municipality’s transit system, reduce congestion, and support housing growth near transit. By making smart, long-term investments, we’re building a more accessible, efficient, and sustainable future for residents across the Halifax Regional Municipality.”
Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore said the funding will allow the city to improve services and better integrate transit into regional planning efforts.
“Public transit is the backbone of a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive city,” Fillmore said. “This long-term, predictable investment in Halifax’s transit system will improve service for residents and support the creation of more transit-oriented communities across the municipality, allowing us to modernize our transit infrastructure to meet the growing needs of our region.”
Halifax’s transit funding falls under the Baseline Funding stream, but additional investment could be available through the Metro-Region Agreement stream, which focuses on long-term transit planning in major urban centers. Nova Scotia’s provincial and municipal partners are working on an Integrated Regional Plan to apply for this funding, with Ottawa providing $1.2 million to support its development.
Lena Metlege Diab, MP for Halifax West, said the long-term commitment is designed to improve accessibility and affordability for transit users.
“This new long-term funding will improve transit in the Halifax Regional Municipality, making it easier for residents to get around without a car, which both lowers our carbon footprint and makes life more affordable,” she said.
While specific projects for the HRM’s allocation have not been finalized, officials say the money will go toward maintaining and modernizing the transit system, with potential investments in new buses, transit stops, and service improvements.
