Calgary regional transit gets $187M in provincial grants

The Calgary region is getting a transit funding boost to the tune of $187 million from theprovincial government.

Funds from the Green Transit Incentives Program (GreenTRIP)will be used to support the 17th Avenue southeast transitway, as well as the southwest transitway, bus-only lanes or roads, LRT electrical upgrades and crosstown Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects in Calgary.

In Airdrie, the money wil go towards building a new transit facility, while Canmore will get a transit hub and Banff will get a bus storage facility.

The latest funding announcement comes afterthe federal government said it wouldcontribute $1.53 billion towards the cost of Calgary'sGreen Line public transit project.

• Green Line transitway in Calgary gets $1.53B pledge from Ottawa

"This important investment will dramatically improve public transit options for Calgarians," said Mayor Naheed Nenshi in a press release.

"Four new cross-town rapid transit routes will make it easier for our citizens to get to school and work. Upgrades to the LRT system will make it more reliable and able to serve more people."

In the same release, Transportation MinisterBrian Masonsaid his government is committed to investing in infrastructure that will help drive economic growth.