Sarah-Patricia Breen (Selkirk College), Ryan Gibson (University of Guelph), and Hannah Main (Dalhousie University) recently published a new article in Canadian Public Policy. The article examines the distribution of federal public transit funding, highlighting a significant urban-rural disparity. The authors argue that current federal funding mechanisms predominantly favor urban centers, leaving rural and remote communities underserved. This imbalance not only limits mobility options for rural residents but also exacerbates social and economic inequalities. The study underscores the necessity for a comprehensive national transit strategy that ensures equitable access to public transportation across all regions of Canada.
To address these challenges, the authors recommend that the federal government develop a cohesive transit policy that includes dedicated funding for rural and remote areas. Such a strategy should recognize the unique transportation needs of these communities and allocate resources accordingly. By adopting a more inclusive approach, the federal government can promote greater social equity and support the mobility needs of all Canadians, regardless of their geographic location.