Clean Air & Connected Communities

This Clean Air Day, NB Lung proudly celebrates a major win: fare-free public transit in New Brunswick’s three largest cities — Saint John, Moncton, and Fredericton. It’s a step toward a healthier, environmental, and sustainable province.

At NB Lung, we don’t just fight for clean air — we advocate for strong, connected communities. That means addressing the needs of the 1 in 5 New Brunswickers living with lung disease and promoting more resilient, equitable cities, where everyone can breathe the air we share.

Accessible, fare-free transit improves physical health by reducing pollution and increasing mobility for those with chronic conditions like asthma or COPD.

But it also strengthens the economic health of our communities:

• Increased workforce participation by removing transportation barriers
• Higher local spending as more people can reach businesses and services
• Lower healthcare costs through better access to care and cleaner air
• Reduced infrastructure expenses from less wear and tear on roads

Investing in fare-free, accessible transit is a public health strategy — and an economic one.

Why Transit Matters — for Lungs, Lives, and Cities

For people with chronic lung disease — whether asthma, COPD, or recovering from lung transplants — transit isn’t optional. It’s what allows them to get to medical appointments, pick up groceries, and participate in daily life.

When transit is costly or inaccessible, those already struggling with their health are further isolated. We cannot build healthier communities without building accessible ones.

Fare-free transit isn’t just a climate solution — it’s an economic strategy that reduces financial pressure on individuals and on cities. Fewer cars mean:

• Cleaner air
• Less traffic
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions
• Reduced wear and tear on roads — which saves taxpayer dollars and reduces environmental impacts from road construction and repairs

The people you work with, the people you love — they all benefit. 

Free Transit Works — For Health, Climate, and Economic Resilience

Provinces Can — and Should — Help Fund Transit

Across Canada, major transit projects succeed thanks to joint investment from all levels of government. In Nova Scotia, Ontario, and elsewhere, provincial funding has delivered measurable returns: more jobs, cleaner air, and inclusive economic growth.

New Brunswick, however, still lacks a dedicated provincial transit funding program — leaving municipalities to shoulder the cost alone.

Transit is a shared public good. When we invest at all levels, the payoff is community-wide: better health, stronger economies, and more connected lives.

Let’s look at Nova Scotia as an example:

• The Federal Government supports major infrastructure through programs like the Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF).
• The Province of Nova Scotia provides operating grants through the Public Transportation Assistance Program (PTAP).
• Halifax Regional Municipality directly funds fleet, maintenance, and operations.
• Together, all three levels invested $112 million in Halifax’s Zero Emission Bus Project — a model of collaborative climate action.

Meanwhile in Ontario, the provincial Gas Tax Program delivered over $380 million to 106 municipalities to improve local transit services — recognizing that access to work, school, and community supports depends on mobility. (source)

A Win That Must Include Everyone

Fare-free transit is only fair if it’s also accessible.

This Clean Air Day, NB Lung became aware that some accessible transit services are operated independently from the municipal transit system. Regrettably, those independent services did not opt to offer free service on Clean Air Day like the municipal transit systems did.  

Going forward, we will continue to advocate for equity, inclusion, and sustainability in healthy transportation. People who rely on mobility aids — many of whom are living with lung disease — deserve the same access to clean air and community life as everyone else. 

NB Lung’s Vision: Clean Air, For All

At NB Lung, we believe everyone — regardless of ability or income — deserves clean air and access to a healthy, connected life. That’s why we’re advocating for:

• Fare-free transit, province-wide
• Accessible transit that includes all riders
• Provincial investment in municipal transit systems, like other provinces already do

Join the Movement

Let’s make sure Clean Air Day — and every day — reflects our values. The people you work with. The people you love. Everyone deserves to get where they need to go, breathe easy, and be included in the journey.