Dive Brief:
- The governments of Canada and Ontario have approved more than $30 million in funding for transit projects in Toronto, under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF). The City of Toronto also will provide an unspecified amount of funding.
- The funding will cover 11 different infrastructure projects ranging from upgrades to large initiatives. Some projects include a pedestrian land bridge study, signage improvements and "Reimagining Yonge Street."
- The investments will not only help residents get around more efficiently and safely, but are also intended to boost the economy through job growth.
Dive Insight:
Approving $30 million for the 11 infrastructure projects is one of the recent pushes to improve transit and mobility in Toronto. The province of Ontario recently announced a discount for riders who transfer between transportation modes, which is scheduled to begin next year. Plus, the government has shown interest in a proposal from the airports authority to build a multibillion-dollar transit hub at the Toronto airport. Similar to its agreement to support Toronto's transportation infrastructure, the government of Canada recently made several PTIF commitments to communities across Canada, both urban and rural.
The new transit projects are a mix of those designed to refurbish or rebuild existing systems and infrastructure, and completely new projects. Although Toronto's Union Station is the focus of five of the 11 projects, each of those five tends to carry smaller price tags. One of the more significant allotments — $10 million — will go toward "opportunities to improve transit service."
While the newly approved investments will grow Toronto's transportation system and make it easier and safer for users to get around, the government also has placed an emphasis on the greater economic benefits. It notes that the projects will create jobs and help the middle class, which government leaders say will strengthen communities and foster long-term prosperity. The focus on mobility and retaining transit's affordability could help residents during a time when the city is experiencing cost-of-living increases and concerns about affordability.