We have an update on the availability of federal funding to address rising public transit costs in the capital city.

St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen last week made a plea to the provincial government to step in and apply for federal funding to help with the delivery of Metrobus services in light of rising fuel costs.

The city is paying a full dollar a litre more for diesel than was allotted in the last municipal budget.

The province says Bill C-17, which will supply funding for transit costs and affordable housing, was introduced in the House of Commons in March and requires Royal assent before the province can receive the funding. Government is currently evaluating its $4 million allocation based on requirements set by the federal government.