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STUDIES ON URBAN TRANSIT IN CANADA
Transport Canada commissioned three studies to follow up on the Government of
Canada's commitment in the 2001 Speech From the Throne to "co-operate with
provincial and municipal partners to help improve public transit
infrastructure."
National Vision for Transit in Canada to 2020 , by IBI Group, calls for a
system that is:
- capable of providing the speed, capacity, frequency, coverage and
connectivity necessary for access to all activities in urban areas with
service that is safe, comfortable and convenient;
- compatible with communities that support a vibrant economy, safe
streets, people-friendly places, and a high quality of life;
- energy-efficient and clean in terms of waste products; and
- cost-efficient in service delivery, appropriate and affordable in
pricing, and adequate and predictable in its funding arrangement.
Urban Transit in Canada — Taking Stock , by McCormick Rankin Corp.,
describes the state of the Canadian transit industry and assesses its future
pressure points and needs. The study identified four key challenges in meeting
the vision scenario: the need for more supportive demand management, access to
capital funding for infrastructure investment, adequate operating funding, and
larger, more durable fleets.
Economic Study to Establish a Cost-Benefit Framework for the Evaluation of
Various Types of Transit Investments , by HLB Decisions Economics,
developed a model to assess the economic feasibility of transit system expansion
or rehabilitation. The model takes into account important benefits of transit
investment, such as time-savings, lower emissions of greenhouse gases and other
contaminants, fewer accidents, better mobility and improved community
connections. The study reviews the current federal role and summarizes the
alternative service delivery experience in the United States and other selected
countries and presents possible options for changes to the current federal role.
Additional information on these studies is available on the Transport Canada
website at:
www.tc.gc.ca/programs/Environment/UrbanTransportation/transitstudies/menu.htm.
June 2004
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