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

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A crowd of people boarding Boston's green line in an underground subway station.

Boston has spent millions making the Green Line more accessible — and there’s no end in sight

While the city has invested millions into expanding and adding platforms to the Green Line to make it more accessible, new train cars set to arrive next year will be too tall for disabled passengers to board without raising the current platforms.

1 hour ago - Boston Globe

Railroad tracks in Idaho passing a home by a river.

Idaho may see an 18% drop in federal surface transit funding — the largest estimated cut in the US

Transit systems in rural communities are much more reliant on federal funding to provide their services.

2 hours ago - Grist

A Florida family with their belongings in a wagon walks past a destroyed storm after a hurricane.

How ‘post-disaster gentrification’ alters neighborhoods after natural calamities

After hurricanes, fires or other calamities, the original residents of a community are often replaced by younger, wealthier residents.

3 hours ago - Inside Climate News