REGINA, Sask. — Regina’s transit investment is set to receive a boost from the federal government.
The federal government has agreed to provide roughly $2.4 million each year over the next 10 years toward capital transit investments in the city via the Canada Public Transit Fund, according to a report presented on Wednesday at Regina’s executive committee.
As part of the proposed agreement, Regina is required to invest at least $3.6 million, or 60 per cent of the annual federal funding, in new buses, shelters, bikeways, maintenance facilities and sidewalks.
As of 2025, the city began purchasing diesel-hybrid buses to help reduce costs while maintaining a more environmentally friendly transportation option.
However, after March 2029, the agreement prohibits federal funding from being used for diesel and diesel-hybrid buses.
In the event Regina continues purchasing diesel-hybrid buses before 2029, city administration will return with a report to council exploring financial, environmental and operational information surrounding bus options.
If council didn’t choose electric buses, administration would direct the funding toward other investments or possibly go back to the federal government to change details in the funding agreement. The agreement also requires a renewal after five years.
Regina’s executive committee was also made aware of the need for careful consideration of transit purchases moving forward, as the city’s transit reserve is heading toward a negative balance for 2028.
The funding was approved Wednesday and requires a final vote at the Sept. 9 city council meeting.
