Transportation in the GTHA – Status and Outlook

Transport Action Ontario recently presented a summary update of GTHA (Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area) transportation improvements and challenges to a Toronto-based seniors group. The presentation covered both public transit and expressways. It presents a useful snapshot of the current status of this vital public service, including:

• Massive anticipated population increase and high levels of congestion are driving the need for more transportation capacity. Province is responding with both a large transit expansion program and a major plan to build more expressways.
• Over $100 Billion of rapid transit capital investment since 2010, but more needed.
• Smaller projects underway to improve transit, including priority bus features and on-request transit.
• Federal government finally investing in VIA Rail, but operating challenges continue. New High Speed Rail (Alto) project has been announced, but is proceeding at very slow pace and very high cost.
• Road widenings/new expressways are not the answer. Put the funds into transit instead.
• Transit challenges include operational funding, reliability and escalating cost of construction.

The update can be viewed below.