Density Drives an Increase in Transit Usage in Toronto

The Canadian census reports that transit ridership in Toronto has increased, but population growth means more cars are on the road anyway.

1 minute read

December 4, 2017, 5:00 AM PST

By snewberg @JoeUrbanist


Toronto Streetcar

The City of Toronto / Flickr

The proposition of commuters in Toronto driving alone to work has declined 7 percent in the past decade, according to new census figures. Those walking, biking, or using public transit have correspondingly increased between 2006 and 2016. 

Since no new subway lines have opened since 2002, a primary factor is increased density in the city, according to Statistics Canada. However, there are signs that the increase in transit usage may be leveling out, according to the Toronto Transit Commission.

At the metro level, the shift in commuting patterns has been similar. The provincial transit agency, Metrolinx, is proposing service expansion to increase train ridership further. 

Among the significant amount of information released by the Census, it is noteworthy that although the proportion of commuters getting to work by car is down, the overall number of cars on the road has increased due to population growth overall.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017 in The Toronto Star

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