The federal government will spend 12 billion Canadian dollars on transportation projects in Toronto and Hamilton.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Tuesday that the funds will be used for four subway projects already in progress-Ontario Line, Scarborough, Eglinton West Crosstown Branch and Central North Subway Branch- And a light rail transit line that runs through the center of Hamilton.

Part of the funds will also be used to purchase zero-emission trams for TTC, which are produced at Alstom’s Thunder Bay car plant (Alstom completed the acquisition of Bombardier Transportation in early 2021).

Trudeau said that the “historic” agreement will reduce traffic congestion and pollution and create jobs as part of Canada’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.

Trudeau said: “Rapid transit shortens commuting time, allows parents more time to spend with their children, and ensures that children inherit a cleaner future.” “Public transportation is at the core of a strong recovery and growing middle class.”

The office of Ontario Prime Minister Doug Ford said it has been urging the federal government to invest in transit transportation for the past two years.

Spokesperson Ivana Yelich said in an email: “We have been calling on the federal government to provide at least a 40% fair share in the four important national subway projects in the GTA.”

“In addition, we have been urging them to help fund a viable Hamilton Light Rail project.”

Projects plagued by delays and disputes

Kathleen Wynne, the former prime minister of Ontario, invested C$1 billion in Hamilton’s 14-kilometer light rail train in 2015. Four years later, the Ford government cancelled the plan. Claim this is billions of dollars beyond the budget. Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger and private sector partner LiUNA both stated that the province’s figures have been exaggerated.

Earlier this year, the province restored a smaller 9-kilometer route. Reaffirmed its $1 billion commitment. However, this funding depends on the $1.5 billion pledged by the federal government.

At the same time, Toronto’s subway line also has a long history.

The Scarborough Rapid Transit Line was originally supposed to be replaced by a light rail line, which is now operational. However, the project was cancelled when Ford’s brother Rob Ford was elected mayor of Toronto in 2010. Parliament subsequently approved a more expensive underground expansion project to connect the northeastern region with the urban area.

In the past ten years, it has undergone several revisions and is now a three-stop expansion, which is expected to cost $6 billion, which is the price determined by Metrolinx Overcoming its benefits. Recently, TTC recommended closing the aging Scarborough line in 2023 and using buses until the project is completed in 2030.

After Doug Ford was elected prime minister, he added icing on the cake for the 15.9 billion Ontario Line. It plans to pass through the downtown area under King Street from Ontario Plaza, and then head north to the Ontario Science Center, a total length of 16 kilometers.

Part of the ambitious plan, No target completion dateIt was opposed by Toronto City Councillors and residents. Part of the line will be extended on the ground, and residents said it will increase noise pollution and destroy trees and animal habitats.

The construction of Eglinton Crosstown LRT started in 2011 and has been repeatedly postponed until the second half of 2022. The $5.2 billion project was originally scheduled to open this fall.

At the same time, small businesses and residents suffered losses. CBC News said that more than 100 businesses on Eglinton Street have closed due to construction Previous report.