Transit in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) finds itself at a pivotal juncture. Externally, oscillations in ridership and revenue streams are observable, largely attributable to the ramifications of COVID-19 lockdowns, increasing trends toward working from home, entrenched auto-dependency, and pressing safety and equity considerations. Internally, a constellation of both capital and operational challenges demand rectification, encompassing issues of politics and governance, leadership and accountability, finance and procurement, maintenance and technology, human resources, customer service, land development, and mobility management.
Leveraging the insights of 24 politicians and industry experts alongside the contributions of 100 delegates from diverse sectors including government, business, unions, academia, and non-governmental organizations, the summit aims to rigorously evaluate the economic, environmental, and social advantages of enhanced transit systems.
The summit is poised to generate strategic recommendations intended to illuminate a path forward, thereby ensuring that the future trajectory of Toronto’s transit system markedly surpasses its recent historical challenges. Stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to engage in this critical discourse, which promises to be at the forefront of shaping the region’s transit landscape.