This document provides an overview of Metrolinx and its vision for a smart transportation system in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Metrolinx was established in 2006 to oversee integrated, multimodal transportation planning and investment in the region. The region faces challenges with increasing auto dependency and congestion. Metrolinx's vision is for an optimized transportation system that maximizes social, environmental, and economic sustainability through better mobility choices. The document outlines incremental and bold strategies to implement this vision across different sectors like government, workplaces, education, traveler information systems, transportation pricing, and parking management. It emphasizes the need for integrated planning, dedicated funding sources, and focusing on people, the environment, and the economy.
3. Presentation Outline
Introduction to Metrolinx and the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area
A vision for Smart Transportation
Implementation strategies – incremental and bold scenarios:
Government as a role-model leader
At the workplace
Schools, colleges and universities
Traveller Information Systems
Transportation pricing
Parking management
Keys to building the next-generation Smart Transportation system:
Integrated planning and investment
Three foundation pillars
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4. Metrolinx: Introduction
Established by legislation in 2006
A Province of Ontario initiative led by a
predominantly municipal Board of
Directors
Responsible for integrated, multimodal
transportation planning and investment in
the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area
Other responsibilities:
GO Transit capital and operations*
PRESTO transit smart card*
Smart Commute
Strategic transit procurement
* To be enacted
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5. Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area
Canada’s largest metro region
Fifth largest and third fastest-
growing metro region in North
America
Population: 6.1M today up to 8.6M
by 2031
Coordination challenges:
Six regional municipalities and
amalgamated cities
24 local municipalities
10 transit service providers
No “super-regional” government
structure
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6. Key Challenges
Create one of the most Key trend 1986 to 2006: Auto
dependency is growing faster than
attractive, successful and population and economic growth
sustainable metro regions in
the world Population 44%
Reduce dependency on single
Employment 45%
automobile use by creating:
More competitive, seamless and
Daily Trips (motorized) 46%
sustainable mobility choices Daily Auto Trips 52%
Sustainable transportation Vehicle-km of travel 94%
investment and pricing Daily Transit Trips 17%
strategies
Home to work trip length 21%
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7. A Vision for Smart Transportation
An optimized transportation system that generates maximum
contributions to social, environmental and economic sustainability
Transportation authorities are investing in a suite of better mobility
choices across the metro region
Consumers are making better mobility choices at the individual level
Attitudinal and institutional changes are successfully underway:
Shift away from generations of automobile-centered thinking
Capitalize on new technological opportunities
Implement incentives and disincentives to influence mobility habits
Supported by citizen engagement, performance measurement and
public reporting
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8. Implementation Strategies
Government as a Role-Model Leader
Incremental BOLD
Municipalities required to implement Government staff receive free transit
TDM plans passes as tax-exempt benefit
Major new transportation projects and Employee and visitor paid parking
development applications required to implemented at all government offices
submit TDM plans Secure bicycle parking, showers and
Government offices required to change facilities offered in government
implement TDM plans with their offices
employees
TDM Plan
Policies, programs, services and products to influence whether-why-when-where-how
people travel
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9. Implementation Strategies
At the Workplace
Incremental BOLD
Legislated requirement for TDM plans at Provincial and federal governments treat
mid- and large-sized workplaces employer-provided transit benefits as tax
Employee transit benefits and exempt
vanpooling offered by mid- and large- Free transit passes offered to
sized workplaces employees at virtually all workplaces
Paid parking for auto commuters Tax-exempt benefits extended to walk
Bike parking and shower/change and cycle commuters
facilities offered at most workplaces Mandated requirements for bike parking
Flexible work hours and one-day per and shower/change facilities
week telework offered to 50% of Telework offered two-days or more per
employees with appropriate jobs week to over 50% of eligible employees
High-profile recognition program for
leading employers
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10. Implementation Strategies
Schools, Colleges and Universities
Incremental BOLD
TDM plans required for all educational Virtual classes: Widespread
institutions telecommunications capability and
“Active and safe routes” and ride- curricula reform to allow students to
matching implemented in all schools learn from home part-time
New schools are located and designed Greening and redevelopment programs
to support walking and cycling for school parking lots
Elementary school curricula address Full-cost pricing for student parking
sustainable transportation
Strict limits on student drop-off and
parking areas
Most colleges and universities offer
universal transit passes (U-Pass)
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11. Implementation Strategies
Traveller Information Systems
Incremental BOLD
511 system – universal phone access to Single integrated mobility trip planner –
multimodal mobility information including walking and cycling, ride-
Online transit trip planners available matching, and long-distance air, rail and
through wireless devices bus – available through wireless devices
Real-time traffic information available Real-time route optimization and pricing,
through wireless devices reflecting actual traffic conditions,
offered through in-vehicle navigation
Next-bus real-time information available systems
at key transit stations and mobility hubs
Next-bus real-time information available
at all transit stops
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12. Implementation Strategies
Transportation Pricing
Incremental BOLD
Annual vehicle registration fees reflect Region-wide tolls (value pricing) on
distance driven freeways and major arterial roads
Distance-based vehicle insurance Dedicated revenue streams used by
offered by some insurers regional transportation authorities and
Customized transit fares via smart cards municipalities to improve sustainable
reflect customer loyalty, frequency and transportation infrastructure and
trip lengths services
Requirement for vehicle insurance
premiums to be distance-based
All free or subsidized employee parking
treated as a taxable benefit
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13. Implementation Strategies
Parking Management
Incremental BOLD
Reduced parking supply minimums Surface parking restricted or prohibited
based on access to auto-share, bicycle, near major transit stations and mobility
transit and walking alternatives hubs
Commercial and residential parking Public parking structures operated by
“unbundled” from units local or regional authorities with full-cost
Parking cash-out available at some pricing in effect
workplaces Tax on commercial parking spaces –
More residential condominium with revenues dedicated to sustainable
developments include auto-share, transportation improvements
bicycle storage and free transit passes
Paid parking at major trip generators,
including suburban retail malls
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14. Building the Smart Transportation System
Integrated Multimodal Planning and Investment Strategy
Vision for System components:
Sustainable Transportation and
Active Transportation
Sustainable Communities
Mobility Hubs
Movement of Goods and Services
Roads and Highways
Transportation Demand Management
Transportation Investment Strategy Transit
Dedicated revenue sources and tools
Full-cost pricing
Life-cycle asset management Integrated 25-Year
Quick-Win five-year capital plans Regional Transportation Plan
Rolling 10-year plans
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15. Building the Smart Transportation System
Three Foundation Pillars
People Improved access and mobility for people of all ages and means
Healthier lifestyle, reduced risk of illness, obesity and stress
Vibrant communities with strong social ties and sense of place
More time for families, recreation and relaxation
Taxpayer relief – transportation costs shifted to users
The Environment Lower consumption of and reliance on fossil fuels
Lower greenhouse gas emissions and climate change impact
Less degradation of water and natural resources
Less neighborhood disruption caused by traffic
Reduced land consumption for roads and parking
Our Economy Lower cost, more affordable transportation options
More reliable travel time and reduced congestion costs
Stronger return on investment in infrastructure
Reduced or deferred highway and road costs
Enhanced adaptability to energy supply risks
Healthier workforce and lower healthcare costs
Support for technological innovation
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