3.1.1  Infrastructure Rehabilitation or Replacement

Of the $20.7 billion total needed for transit infrastructure, over $9.1 billion, or 44%, is needed to replace or rehabilitate existing infrastructure, while approximately $11.6 billion is for expansion, to respond to population growth or to attract new ridership (see Figure 1).

Figure 1 - Replacement vs. Expansion

As shown in Figure 2, nearly the $7.3 billion or 80% of the funds are needed to replace or rehabilitate existing infrastructure was reported as part of current plans. Moreover, $1.8 billion or 20% is contingent on new funding from the federal and provincial governments. Replacement and rehabilitation needs are the minimum investments necessary simply to keep the country's transit systems in a state of good repair.

Figure 2 - Rehabilitation / Replacement Needs

Figure 3 outlines the division of categories within rehabilitation or replacement needs. Approximately $3.2 billion will be needed simply to maintain fleets at their current sizes. More than $2.6 billion will be needed to maintain other rolling stock, such as subways, light rail and commuter rail equipment, and $1.1 billion will be needed to replace or rehabilitate existing fixed guideways or rights-of-way. Significant investments will also be needed to replace or refurbish maintenance facilities and other items including fare collection equipment, terminals and software to improve or implement intelligent transportation systems.

Figure 3 - Rehabilitation / Replacement Needs by Type