Here's how your federal MP candidates are promising to improve transit in Toronto

Investing in transit means good, green Canadian jobs and less congestion. TTCriders circulated a transit policy survey to all MP candidates in Toronto ahead of the 2025 Federal Election.

We asked MP candidates:

1. Will you protect funding for new Line 2 subway trains by keeping the Canada Public Transit Fund? Transit agencies and rider organizations across Canada welcomed the $30 billion Canada Public Transit Fund, which will support good Canadian jobs over a 10-year period. The fund was announced in July 2024 and is set to begin in 2026. Functional transit systems are integral to a strong Canadian economy and tackling congestion. Transit gets people to work and makes life more affordable.  Additionally, building new subway trains in Canada will create more jobs and build a stronger economy. In November 2024, federal funding was committed to new subway trains for Line 2 through the Canada Public Transit Fund.

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2. Will you make the Canada Public Transit Fund flexible, so that communities of all sizes have the freedom to use it for their most urgent needs? Currently, the fund is limited to capital projects, which means that agencies cannot use it to stop service cuts, make fares more affordable or to fund increased transit service, such as added frequency or more routes. Public transit systems continue to struggle financially from pandemic impacts and their reliance on farebox revenue for operating budgets. Ridership in most Canadian communities has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels, yet roads are more congested than ever. But when agencies respond by cutting service, they risk driving away more transit users.

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3. Will you expand the Canada Public Transit Fund? Every dollar spent on transit creates good green jobs in Canada and reduces the cost of living. According to modelling conducted by Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors for Environmental Defence and Équiterre, Canada can double public transit ridership by 2035 and reduce carbon pollution by 65 million tonnes by expanding the Canada Public Transit Fund by approximately $3 billion per year with cost share requirements for provinces and municipalities.

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4. Will you relieve congestion and reduce pollution by investing in transit and active transportation and shifting funding away from urban highway expansion? Expanding highways in urban areas increases car use and often makes congestion worse. Shifting funds from urban highway expansion to affordable, safe and convenient public transit and active transportation is a cost-effective way to relieve congestion and reduce carbon pollution. Shifting funds away from counterproductive urban highway expansion can also provide funds for maintenance and safety enhancements on existing roadways (fix-it-first).  

As of April 21, 2025, 22 candidates from the Liberal, New Democrat, and Green parties responded to the survey. If you are an MP candidate and have not yet filled out the transit policy survey, please visit this page. Candidate responses are published below, grouped by federal riding. If your federal riding does not appear, that means that no candidates in your riding responded to the survey as of April 24, 2025.

Davenport

Further comments from candidates:

Will you protect funding for new Line 2 subway trains by keeping the Canada Public Transit Fund?

"Public transit is integral to building a green economy! Of course I will stand for this!" - Lilian Barrera, Green

"The TTC needs new trains for Line 2 and transit systems across the country need federal funding to maintain service. I support the CPTF and will keep the fund." - Sandra Sousa, NDP

Will you make the Canada Public Transit Fund flexible, so that communities of all sizes have the freedom to use it for their most urgent needs?

"We need a new funding model for transit. We can't rely on the city and transit riders to fund such a large portion of operations costs. The federal government must pay its share." - Sandra Sousa, NDP

Will you expand the Canada Public Transit Fund?

"I support expanding the fund - it's good for the environment and good for people. The current amount of the CPTF is not enough for the whole country, and climate change isn't waiting. We need to act now." - Sandra Sousa, NDP

Will you relieve congestion and reduce pollution by investing in transit and active transportation and shifting funding away from urban highway expansion?

"There is no question congestion is a major problem in Toronto, but we know building bigger roads isn't the solution. We need to give people reliable and safe alternatives for getting around in Davenport and across the country." - Sandra Sousa, NDP

Don Valley North

Further comments from candidates:

Will you protect funding for new Line 2 subway trains by keeping the Canada Public Transit Fund?

"The aging trainset on Line 2 is concerning, particularly for working class Torontonians who rely on the system. In the summer, the air conditioning is unreliable and the system grinds to a halt. This project is badly needed." - Andrew Armstrong, Green

Will you relieve congestion and reduce pollution by investing in transit and active transportation and shifting funding away from urban highway expansion?

"I strongly believe that this is the way forward, cars are a notoriously inefficient mode of transport and I wholly support public transit expansion in lieu" - Andrew Armstrong, Green

Don Valley West

Further comments from candidates:

Will you protect funding for new Line 2 subway trains by keeping the Canada Public Transit Fund?

"Yes! The Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF) is a historic investment that will support better transit across Canada, including right here in Toronto. Announced in 2024, the Fund will provide $3 billion per year for public transit and active transportation infrastructure, beginning in 2026-27. Importantly, it will provide stable and predictable funding to address long-term transit goals. A Mark Carney led will protect this important fund." - Rob Oliphant, Liberal

Will you make the Canada Public Transit Fund flexible, so that communities of all sizes have the freedom to use it for their most urgent needs?

"The Canada Public Transit Fund was designed in response to the feedback received from communities during a national engagement process. In addition to the funding for the CPTF, a Mark Carney led government will make rural and small communities more affordable and accessible through an additional $250 million in the Rural Transit Solutions Fund." - Rob Oliphant, Liberal

Will you expand the Canada Public Transit Fund?

"A new Liberal government will maintain this important fund, and I will always advocate for federal support that improves transit here in Don Valley West and across our city." - Rob Oliphant, Liberal

Will you relieve congestion and reduce pollution by investing in transit and active transportation and shifting funding away from urban highway expansion?

"Public transit is good for our environment and good for our communities, fighting climate change while reducing traffic congestion. As already noted, a new Liberal government will continue to invest in public transit here in Toronto and across Canada. By working with provinces and territories, we will lower costs and further support the development, expansion, and operation of local, regional, and cross-Canada transit and bus solutions that help Canadians get home faster." - Rob Oliphant, Liberal

Etobicoke Centre

Further comments from candidates:

Will you protect funding for new Line 2 subway trains by keeping the Canada Public Transit Fund?

"As a regular Line 2 rider, I am in full support of fund allocation for new trains." - Ji Won Jung, NDP

Will you make the Canada Public Transit Fund flexible, so that communities of all sizes have the freedom to use it for their most urgent needs?

"Absolutely! I believe in grassroots organization and that communities know what they need best." - Ji Won Jung, NDP

Will you expand the Canada Public Transit Fund?

"I would definitely be an advocate for further public transit investment. Especially during economic downturns, investing in Canadian infrastructure, Canadian jobs, and sourcing Canadian materials is extremely important." - Ji Won Jung, NDP

Will you relieve congestion and reduce pollution by investing in transit and active transportation and shifting funding away from urban highway expansion?

"For sure. I’ve been following urban development research on moving away from highway expansion and all the facts point towards better public transit." - Ji Won Jung, NDP

Etobicoke North

Humber River - Black Creek

Scarborough - Agincourt

Scarborough Centre - Don Valley East

Further comments from candidates:

Will you protect funding for new Line 2 subway trains by keeping the Canada Public Transit Fund?

"Absolutely, we’re committed to the Canada Public Transit Fund, which we’ve made permanent with $14.9 billion to support major projects like new subway trains for Line 2 in Toronto. Our plan is to keep investing in transformative transit to get you moving faster and more reliably." - Salma Zahid, Liberal

Will you make the Canada Public Transit Fund flexible, so that communities of all sizes have the freedom to use it for their most urgent needs?

"Yes, we want the fund to work for everyone. We’re developing a National Transportation Strategy to listen to communities—big and small—so they can use the fund for what matters most, whether it’s buses, bike lanes, or local transit solutions." - Salma Zahid, Liberal

Will you expand the Canada Public Transit Fund?

"We’ve already committed $30 billion over 10 years starting in 2026—the largest transit investment in Canada’s history. Our focus is on making every dollar count to accelerate projects and bring cleaner, better transit to you, and we’ll keep exploring ways to strengthen this commitment as needs evolve." - Salma Zahid, Liberal

Will you relieve congestion and reduce pollution by investing in transit and active transportation and shifting funding away from urban highway expansion?

"We’re all in on reducing congestion and pollution. That’s why we’re investing in public transit, zero-emission buses, and active transportation like bike lanes through our National Active Transportation Strategy. Our priority is getting people out of traffic and into cleaner options, and we’re focused on transit-first solutions to make our cities more livable." - Salma Zahid, Liberal

Scarborough - Guildwood - Rouge Park

Further comments from candidates:

Will you protect funding for new Line 2 subway trains by keeping the Canada Public Transit Fund?

"Transit is not just about getting from point A to point B it’s about connecting people to opportunity, driving local economic growth, and making life more affordable. That’s why I welcome the $30 billion Canada Public Transit Fund announced in July 2024, which will invest in transit infrastructure and good Canadian jobs over the next decade." - Troy Rife, Green

Will you make the Canada Public Transit Fund flexible, so that communities of all sizes have the freedom to use it for their most urgent needs?

"I fully support making the Canada Public Transit Fund more flexible, especially for communities that are struggling to maintain essential service." - Troy Rife, Green

Will you expand the Canada Public Transit Fund?

"Investing in public transit is one of the smartest things we can do for Canada’s economy, our environment, and everyday affordability. According to the modelling you referenced, this investment would double transit ridership by 2035 and cut 65 million tonnes of carbon pollution all while creating good, green jobs and reducing congestion." - Troy Rife, Green

Will you relieve congestion and reduce pollution by investing in transit and active transportation and shifting funding away from urban highway expansion?

"Widening highways doesn’t solve congestion it often makes it worse. The real long-term solution is building smarter" - Troy Rife, Green

Scarborough Southwest

Scarborough - Woburn

Spadina - Harbourfront

Further comments from candidates:

Will you protect funding for new Line 2 subway trains by keeping the Canada Public Transit Fund?

"In her capacity as a Member of Parliament, Chi Nguyen will be a strong advocate for continued federal government funding to support public transit in Toronto. This includes continuing and building on the funding announced by our Liberal government to support Line 2 from the Canada Public Transit Fund." - Chi Nguyen, Liberal

"The NDP will make funding for public transit permanent through the Canada Public Transit Fund available right away to support municipalities to move forward on their transit projects." - Norm di Pasquale, NDP

Will you make the Canada Public Transit Fund flexible, so that communities of all sizes have the freedom to use it for their most urgent needs?

"In her capacity as a Member of Parliament, Chi will support the Government of Canada providing flexible funds to support public transit in Canada." - Chi Nguyen, Liberal

"The NDP will include operational funding in cost-sharing agreements with provinces and cities. That takes the cost burden off transit riders and tax payers, and helps ensure service is convenient, frequent and reliable." - Norm di Pasquale, NDP

Will you expand the Canada Public Transit Fund?

"In her capacity as a Member of Parliament, Chi will support Government of Canada funding for public transit, including potentially by expanding the Canada Public Transit Fund." - Chi Nguyen, Liberal

"Yes, and the NDP will modernize and expand public transit in communities across Canada, with the goal of electrifying transit by 2030 to cut emissions." - Norm di Pasquale, NDP

Will you relieve congestion and reduce pollution by investing in transit and active transportation and shifting funding away from urban highway expansion?

"In her capacity as a Member of Parliament, Chi will support prioritizing investments that support public transit expansion." - Chi Nguyen, Liberal

"The NDP will be an active partner in scaling up bus and train service between communities—something rural communities and commuters both need." - Norm di Pasquale, NDP

Taiaiako'n - Parkdale - High Park

Further comments from candidates:

Will you protect funding for new Line 2 subway trains by keeping the Canada Public Transit Fund?

"Investing in new subway trains for Line 2 is an important part of ensuring that Toronto keeps moving. Bhutila and the NDP will ensure that funding for new Line 2 subway trains is protected by making the Canada Public Transit Fund permanent." - Bhutila Karpoche, NDP

Will you make the Canada Public Transit Fund flexible, so that communities of all sizes have the freedom to use it for their most urgent needs?

"Bhutila and the NDP will include operational funding in agreements with provinces and cities, including the Canada Public Transit Fund. This will help take the cost burden off transit riders and taxpayers, and helps ensure service is convenient, frequent and reliable." - Bhutila Karpoche, NDP

Will you expand the Canada Public Transit Fund?

"Bhutila and the NDP will expand, and make the Canada Public Transit Fund permanent, to support municipalities moving forward on their transit projects." - Bhutila Karpoche, NDP

Will you relieve congestion and reduce pollution by investing in transit and active transportation and shifting funding away from urban highway expansion?

"Bhutila and the NDP will scale up bus and train service between communities—important for commuters and regional travellers alike. In addition, we believe in fare-free transit, and will start in that direction to lower commuting costs. We’ll also work towards the goal of electrifying transit by 2030 to cut emissions." - Bhutila Karpoche, NDP

Toronto Centre

University - Rosedale

York Centre

Further comments from candidates:

Will you protect funding for new Line 2 subway trains by keeping the Canada Public Transit Fund?

"I will protect funding for new Line 2 subway trains by keeping the Canada Public Transit Fund. Ensuring reliable infrastructure is non-negotiable for Toronto’s growing population." - Yusuf Sinan Ulukanligil, NDP

Will you make the Canada Public Transit Fund flexible, so that communities of all sizes have the freedom to use it for their most urgent needs?

"Different communities face different transit challenges, and local decision-makers must be empowered to address their most pressing needs effectively." - Yusuf Sinan Ulukanligil, NDP

Will you expand the Canada Public Transit Fund?

"A modern transit system is the backbone of a functioning, climate-conscious urban future." - Yusuf Sinan Ulukanligil, NDP

Will you relieve congestion and reduce pollution by investing in transit and active transportation and shifting funding away from urban highway expansion?

"I believe we must prioritize investment in transit and active transportation over urban highway expansion. This is essential to relieve congestion, cut emissions, and improve overall quality of life." - Yusuf Sinan Ulukanligil, NDP

York South - Weston - Etobicoke

Further comments from candidates:

Will you protect funding for new Line 2 subway trains by keeping the Canada Public Transit Fund?

"The NDP has always been in favour of meaningful and ongoing Federal support for public transit and will never waiver on that commitment." - Louise James, NDP