The Canadian Urban Transit Association represents the public transit community in Canada and engages in a multitude of activities in support of its mission and goals. These include conferences, training, public affairs, awards, exhibitions, technical services, research, statistics and government relations.

CUTA has also developed an extensive network of partnerships with other associations and stakeholders across Canada and around the world. It is a leader and active partner in national and international education and outreach initiatives, designed to strengthen the industry and build support for public transit.

CUTA’s experienced and dedicated staff are transit specialists with broad expertise on issues of transit planning, operations, marketing, technology, training, human resources and policy. Through their network of national and international contacts and their ongoing work on committees and with affiliated organizations, they are authoritative in public transit technical and policy issues.

History

CUTA was originally founded in Montréal in December 1904 as the Canadian Street Railway Association. In 1913, it became known as the Canadian Electric Railway Association. In 1932 the name was changed to Canadian Transit Association. The present name was adopted in 1973 when the Association was incorporated in its current form. The celebration of the Association’s Centennial in 2004 was a major milestone in its history.

Membership

The greatest majority of urban transit systems inCanada from Victoria and Vancouver to Halifax and St. John's, aremembers. Membership includes 120 transit systems, 15 government agencies (Federal, Provincial and Municipal), 250 business members (the firms or persons engaged in the manufacture or sale of transit equipment or services)including consultants, and 50 affiliates.

Vision

CUTA is the voice for enhancing the public transit industry in Canada.

Mission Statement

To establish public transit as the primary solution to urban mobility in the achievement of sustainable transportation, and to assist its members in the fulfillment of their mandates.

Goals

To assist in providing greater direction towards achieving its mission, goals have been established based on critical success factors and the vision of CUTA. The goals have not been prioritized.

1. Provide members with ongoing intelligence about the environment in which they do business, and develop strategies to assist them in successfully managing relevant issues.
2. Maximize member access to information on technical and operational matters.
3. Assist members to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and overall competitiveness of their services and products.
4. Raise public understanding of the larger issues affecting urban transportation and create and maintain a positive industry image.
5. Maintain strong ties with other passenger transportation industry stakeholders.
6. Influence federal government decisions that may have an impact on the urban transit industry, and assist its members in influencing provincial, regional and municipal actions to promote the development of sound public policy designed to achieve transportation sustainability.

Click to view CUTA's Constitution and By-Laws