policies and a lack of integration there has been piecemeal expansion of the urban rail network over the last 30 years, but few would argue that investment in the system has kept pace with population growth in Canada’s second-largest city and the surrounding region. The GTHAis now home to 6 million people, and the population is expected to reach 8.6 million by 2031.


IRJ September 2013


High travel demand means traffic


jams are already a serious economic issue. More than 2 million car trips are made each weekday morning in the GTHAand that figure is forecast to reach 3 million within 20 years. Road capacity is poorly used, with vehicle occupancy of less than 1.2 people per vehicle at peak times. According to Metrolinx, the cost of


congestion to the regional economy is now around $C 6bn ($US 5.8bn) per year, and this figure will more than double within 20 years if no action is taken to curb the current trend. By 2031, the transport network will need to accommodate 7 million more trips per day, a 60% increase over current levels, and if investments are not made, the average commute will be 27 minutes


31


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