Saint John is getting around $7 million in federal funding to improve public transit and green spaces across the city.
Over $6.3 million has been allocated through the Canada Public Transit Fund over the next decade to upgrade and modernize Saint John Transit’s infrastructure.
Nick Cameron, chair of the Saint John Transit Commission, said the stable, year-to-year funding will help ensure the fleet remains modern and reliable.
“This empowers us to undertake necessary capital planning at the commission and collaborate with our other funding partners, such as the city and province,” Cameron said.
He added that plans are already in place to add three new diesel buses this year, replacing older vehicles that are costly to maintain.
Mayor Donna Reardon explained the city needs a strong transit system for Saint John’s growing and diverse population.
She noted that public transit plays a crucial role in reducing congestion and pollution while ensuring residents can access work, school, and other essential services.
“As we try to build that ridership, we know that frequency is freedom, so we need to increase the frequency if we want to get the ridership,” Reardon said.
“It’s a sort of a chicken and eggs situation, but this investment helps.”
She noted electric buses are a future goal for the city, but challenges with costs and availability mean diesel options are being used for now.
In addition to the transit funding, $770,000 has been allocated through the Natural Infrastructure Fund for a tree-planting project that will enhance green spaces across the city.
The initiative will see 1,150 trees planted, with around 500 placed in priority neighbourhoods that often lack greenery.
Reardon highlighted the environmental and social benefits of the project, including improved air quality, reduced urban heat, and a stronger tree canopy to mitigate climate change effects.
Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long, who announced the funding, said these projects are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Saint John.
“This funding is not just about today — it’s about building a stronger, more connected community for the future,” Long said.
