Subway Planning Forum - Transport Futures

The Ontario government unveiled its $28.5-billion subway plan on April 10, 2019. Whether the province covers the entire amount or receives $17.3 billion from Toronto, York Region and the federal government, it will be the largest transit investment in Canadian history.

If the subway system is built out by 2031 as promised, it would also contribute to the government’s “open for business” objectives. Without a well-functioning transportation network, Toronto cannot compete effectively with other Canadian city regions, let alone international ones.

To ensure that proper consideration is given to this historic investment in the context of other transit plans that are currently underway, Transport Futures hosted a Subway Planning Forum on Wednesday, June 26. Transit experts and politicians debated the new plan’s pros and cons in terms of seamless transportation, smart land use, economic costs and benefits, cutting-edge technology, innovative financing, social equity, improved governance and environmental protection.

* The Ontario Progressive Conservative Party was invited to participate.

Our interactive agenda included four formal presentations followed by two panel discussions – one moderated by TVO’s Steve Paikin and the other by UofT’s Judy Farvolden. More than 100 delegates weighed in with excellent questions that went far beyond subway planning to other transit modes, cycling, walking, automated vehicles, mobility pricing and governance. Now it is time to build on our discussion and complement other transit initiatives. Let us know how you’d like to play a role.