The Government of Canada has decided to invest up to C$1.53bn ($1.2bn) in the Green Line Light Rail Transit project in Calgary, Alberta.

The initiative forms a part of the government’s plan to invest in public transit infrastructure to reduce journey time, cut emissions and create new jobs.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “Across the country, we are investing in major infrastructure projects that will transform the way Canadians move, work and live, while creating good, well-paying middle class jobs today and for years to come.

“Today’s historic investment in Calgary’s public transit system will make it easier for people to get around and connect to the services they need.”

“Today’s historic investment in Calgary’s public transit system will make it easier for people to get around and connect to the services they need, make our air cleaner, and create thousands of jobs for Canadians.”

The scope of the first stage of the Green Line project includes designing and construction works of 20km of track, building 14 stations, a rolling stock maintenance and storage facility, eight bridges and four tunnels, as well as three park-and-ride facilities.

It will also include the delivery of 70 low-floor light rail vehicles.

Expected to start in 2020, the construction works is expected to be completed by late 2026.

During the construction period, nearly 20,000 jobs will be created, while the maintenance and operations of the line will require 400 additional long-term employees.

After completion, Calgary’s Green Line will provide direct connectivity from the city’s north and south-east region to the downtown core.

Furthermore, the line is expected to facilitate connectivity to various public services such as hospitals and employment centres, as well as cultural and community facilities.