Halifax Mayor Mike Savage has joined counterparts from across Canada in urging the federal government to create a workable funding formula for transit projects.

The Big City Mayors Caucus met Thursday in Ottawa with the federal ministers of infrastructure and environment, as well as other senior officials.

The caucus, which represents 22 large cities from coast to coast, supports a cost-sharing scenario where the federal and provincial governments each pay 40 per cent of capital costs, with cities covering the remaining 20 per cent.

Halifax is studying the idea of a commuter rail system — something Premier Stephen McNeil has said he's willing to work with regional council on.

Making sure the province chips in

"The big issue for us is how do we make sure the province pays its fair share," said Mayor Mike Savage.

"In Nova Scotia, they pay 25 per cent on water and wastewater projects but they continue to pay nothing towards transit."

Via Rail has said a commuter rail in Halifax is a feasible idea. (Mike Gorman/CBC)

During the provincial election, McNeil and the leaders of the Progressive Conservatives and New Democrats made presentations to Halifax regional council and indicated support for a commuter rail system.

Savage and Bedford councillor Tim Outhit have had discussions with federal Infrastructure and Communities Minister Amarjeet Sohi about the proposal.

"Every indication I've had from the minister is that this is the type of project that they would consider," said Savage.

The mayors caucus also called for "urgent and concrete" funding commitments for affordable housing and green infrastructure projects in cities, said a news release from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.