WHO IS METROLINX? Metrolinx was created in 2006 by the Province of Ontario as the first Regional Transportation Agency for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). The Regional Transportation Plan was adopted in 2008; a bold and visionary blueprint that outlined a common 25-year vision for all modes of transportation in the region. PLAN BUILD OPERATE
THE TASK: A PLAN FOR A REGION UNDER PRESSURE The GTHA suffers from traffic congestion problems, poorly integrated transit services and relatively underdeveloped transport infrastructure. OECD Territorial Review, 2010 Average commute time per person, per day is 82 minutes. Costs $6 billion in travel costs and lost productivity every year. Over 500,000 tonnes of annual GHG emissions is due to traffic congestion. Projected to increase to 109 minutes in the next 25 years. By 2031, this number could increase to $15 billion.
THE PLAN: AN INTEGRATED REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION NETWORK The Regional Transportation Plan (The Plan) is centred on developing an integrated transportation system that enhances our prosperity, environment and quality of life across the Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area (GTHA). It is more than a transit plan: it articulates a vision for all modes of transportation in the region, supporting both people and goods movement. Effective transit and transportation solutions can bolster our global competitiveness, protect our environment, and improve our quality of life. Expanding transportation can also help create thousands of new green and well-paid jobs, and save billions of dollars in time, energy and other efficiencies. The Plan is unfolding through projects such as the transformation of the GO rail network to bring allday, two-way frequent train service to the region, with connections to new light rail and bus rapid transit in Toronto, York, Mississauga and Hamilton, all enabled by PRESTO. We re also delivering on initiatives to help incorporate active and sustainable transportation into the daily commute, including carpooling, walking and cycling, through our SmartCommute program.
THE VISION A high quality of life. A sustainable environment. A competitive economy.
THE PLAN IN PROGRESS Transforming GO train service More service on all lines Electric trains, every 15 minutes or better in both directions, for most GO customers Five new light rail transit lines Under construction: Eglinton Crosstown In design/planning: Finch West, Sheppard East, Hurontario, Hamilton Two bus rapid transit projects Partially in-service,with remainder under construction: Viva in York Region, Mississauga Transitway UP Express Express air rail link from Union Station to Pearson airport Started service June 6, 2015 Connecting it all together One payment system across the region Available across 905 regions now Full TTC rollout in 2016
REVIEW AND UPDATE OF THE PLAN According to the Metrolinx Act, 2006, Metrolinx must complete a review of The Plan every 10 years from when the Act came into force. The review provides the opportunity to bring the latest thinking and advances in transportation into The Plan, while ensuring we maintain momentum on the projects already underway. The review will be completed in 2016. The update to the Regional Transportation Plan will be released in 2017. BE INVOLVED The Plan was originally developed in consultation with municipalities, residents and many other partners across the region. Throughout the review and update, we will be seeking feedback from a wide variety of sources to ensure that the plan reflects the needs and priorities of the region. Look for our Discussion Paper, to be released in Summer 2016, where we will share our findings from the review, and seek feedback. We will be talking to: Transit agencies First Nations communities Municipal staff Non-governmental organizations Industry associations Residents associations and business groups Government ministries Elected officials And of course, you the residents of the GTHA. STAY TUNED AT metrolinx.com/theplan for opportunities to engage and provide your feedback on the long-term vision for transportation in the region.