A transit authority (or transit agency) is an organization responsible for operating public transportation services, including buses, rapid transit, commuter rail, and specialized transportation. Transit authorities may be municipal departments, regional bodies, or independent corporations. Governance structures vary—some transit authorities have appointed boards while others report to municipal councils or regional governments. Transit authorities manage route planning, service scheduling, vehicle procurement and maintenance, fare collection, and customer service. Funding comes from fares, municipal taxes, provincial grants, and sometimes dedicated revenue sources. Large urban areas like Toronto (TTC), Vancouver (TransLink), and Montreal (STM) have major transit authorities, while smaller communities may have municipal transit departments. Transit authority decisions affect mobility, land use, and community development.