The Ministry of Transportation (or equivalent) is the provincial government department responsible for provincial highways, bridges, public transit policy, and transportation safety. The ministry builds and maintains provincial roadways, funds transit systems, regulates transportation industries, and establishes design standards. Municipalities interact with transportation ministries on connections between local and provincial roads, transit funding programs, highway development affecting communities, and traffic regulations. Provincial highway improvements can significantly impact municipal development patterns. Joint projects often require coordination between municipal and provincial transportation authorities. Ministry policies on transit funding substantially influence municipal public transit operations.