Alignments and technologies are being developed during the project-level Benefits Case Analysis that Metrolinx is carrying out in partnership with municipalities and transit agencies. When it comes to making decisions on new transit projects, the costs and benefits of all reasonable alternatives need to be evaluated so that the best possible transit projects are built. The Metrolinx Benefits Case Analyses provide decision-makers with a robust and consistent "triple bottom line" evaluation of the relative environmental, economic and social impacts of each RTP transit project. Each Benefits Case will evaluate the relative merits and costs of alternative project options, which may include variations in the alignment, technology, performance, stations and/or phasing of the project.

Hamilton BCA report

The Hamilton B-Line Rapid Transit project is one of the projects contemplated in MoveOntario 2020, and was identified as a Top 15 priority project in the Metrolinx The Big Move. The project involves the provision of rapid transit between Eastgate Square and McMaster University via Downtown Hamilton along the Main Street/King Street corridor.

The Hamilton King-Main Benefits Case Analysis (BCA) demonstrated that all three options under evaluation -- full Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), full Light Rail Transit (LRT) and partial LRT will generate net positive benefits for Hamilton and the region. All three options will be capable of accommodating long-term travel demand growth in the corridor.

Metrolinx staff will continue to work collaboratively with Hamilton on the detailed planning, design, and engineering (PDE) workplan for the King-Main corridor and report back to the Metrolinx Board in late 2010 with a PDE workplan update. For more information on the options and analysis, the full report can be downloaded from the links below.

Benefits Case Analysis for Hamilton Rapid Transit

BCA Cover Note for Hamilton Rapid Transit

Hamilton King-Main Rapid Transit Benefits Case Analysis (PPT)

Sheppard-Finch LRT BCA report

The Sheppard-Finch Benefits Case Analysis (BCA) considers multiple rapid transit investment options for the Sheppard East and Finch corridors. The Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) identified the Finch West and Sheppard East corridors as rapid transit corridors, subject to BCA analysis, building on the work of Toronto’s Transit City Plan. The analysis evaluates several alignment options for this east-west rapid transit corridor using a Multiple Account Evaluation (MAE) method to ensure economic, environmental and social impacts are taken into consideration in addition to traditional transport cost-benefit measures.

Based on this work, the previous Metrolinx Board identified Option 3, a continuous LRT line that connects Sheppard East to Finch West via Don Mills Rd., as the preferred option to be taken forward to the next steps towards implementation. For more information on the options and analysis, the full report can be downloaded from the link below.

Link to Sheppard-Finch LRT BCA report PDF

GO Lakeshore BCA report

Electrified, express rail service in the Lakeshore corridor was identified as a Top 15 Priority Project in the Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan, entitled The Big Move. As envisioned in The Big Move, the project would transform service in the Lakeshore corridor from Hamilton to Oshawa with fast, frequent electric trains replacing current diesel operations over time. The Lakeshore Express Rail Benefits Case Analysis (BCA) provides an evaluation of the comparative costs and benefits of potential service improvement alternatives in the short-to medium term and for the ultimate Lakeshore Express Rail vision.

The Lakeshore Express Rail project will need to be considered within the broader context of the GO rail network, and as such, the Lakeshore BCA will provide one of the many inputs to the GO Transit System Electrification Study, expected to be completed in 2010.

Link to GO Lakeshore BCA report PDF

Yonge-North BCA Full Report

The Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan, entitled The Big Move, identified a Yonge Subway North extension as a Top 15 Priority Project, subject to a Benefits Case Analysis (BCA). The Yonge Subway North Extension BCA provides an evaluation of the comparative costs and benefits of some rapid transit service options northwards to Richmond Hill Centre.

The Yonge Subway North extension needs to be considered within the broader context of the Yonge North corridor, and as such, the Yonge North Subway Extension BCA will be a key input to further work being carried out in partnership with York Region, the City of Toronto, and the TTC to identify the best project scope and phasing for improving rapid transit in the Yonge North corridor.

The Yonge North BCA Full Report with an explanatory context and future workplan note is available here:

Yonge-North BCA Full Report PDF

Scarborough RT Benefits Case

The Scarborough RT Benefits Case Analysis (BCA) considers different investment options for replacing and extending the Scarborough RT service. The existing vehicle fleet is aging and must be replaced and modified, and there is an opportunity to extend service toward Malvern Town Centre. The analysis looks at the investment merits of two technologies (Mark II and LRT vehicles) and different extension scenarios to connect with Malvern Town Centre. The BCA measures benefit-to-cost ratios of these options and also includes broader “triple bottom line” economic, environmental and social impacts. The Metrolinx Board has not selected the preferred option for this project, and will defer that decision until completion of the Eglinton Crosstown Benefits Case to allow consideration of integration, if warranted.

Link to Scarborough RT Benefits Case PDF

VIVA Benefits Case

The VIVA Benefits Case identifies the optimal investment scenario for York Region’s rapid transit system on Hwy 7 and Yonge corridors.

Metrolinx carries out the development of Benefits Cases in collaboration with its partner municipalities and transit agencies. The BCA will measure benefit-cost ratios of major transit projects, including the traditional transportation user benefits and broader “triple bottom line” economic, environmental and social impacts.

Subsequent to the RTP, projects identified in the regional rapid transit network will undergo a more detailed Benefits Case Analysis to determine the most appropriate technology.

In York Region, existing VIVA services will be upgraded to rapid transit to create an east-west spine on Highway 7, connecting with AcceleRide on Queen Street to downtown Brampton, and From Newmarket to Richmond Hill Centre along Yonge Street."

Link to VIVA Benefits Case PDF

WHAT IS THIS PROPOSED PROJECT ABOUT?

The proposed Georgetown South rail corridor expansion and new rail service between Union Station and Pearson International Airport is one of the first big moves to be implemented from the new Regional Transportation Plan for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

It will make it easier to get around the region, create construction jobs, spur economic growth for businesses and communities in the GTHA, ease the social and economic burdens of traffic congestion, and reduce air pollution.

   Georgetown GO microsite

The Greater Toronto Transportation Act, 2006 provides for the eventual transfer of responsibility for GO Transit to Metrolinx, after the applicable sections of the act are proclaimed in force. To that end, Metrolinx is working with GO Transit on a transition strategy to examine, on a pro-active basis, the options and implications of such a transfer. GO Transit is one of North America’s most successful regional public transportation providers. GO will be the strategic lever in moving the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area towards more seamless transportation integration. GO is exceptional by many standards. It serves a population of 5 million people every day, and it covers about 90 per cent of its operating costs from the fare box. That's one of the best cost-recovery ratios in the world. Metrolinx’s goal is to introduce full-time two-way service on all GO train corridors, to extend GO train service deeper into Durham, Peel and York regions, and to upgrade GO train stations into community focal-point “mobility hubs."

   Link to GO Transit site

The 2009-2010 Accessibility Plan demonstrates the steadfast and ongoing provincial commitment to improved accessibility in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area’s (GTHA) transportation system, and highlights the many projects that Metrolinx/GO Transit have completed over the past year, and our plans to improve the accessibility of transportation services in 2010.

   Metrolinx/GO Transit Accessibility Plan 2009-2010 (PDF, 2.9 MB)

   Metrolinx/GO Transit Accessible Customer Service Policy - DRAFT (PDF, 72 KB)

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The Government of Ontario, through its MoveOntario 2020 initiative, announced a list of 52 rapid transit improvements and expansion projects for the GTHA in June 2007. The province has committed $11.5 billion ($17.5 billion with federal participation) to finance the plan’s implementation.

   Read Full Details of MoveOntario 2020

In June 2007, the federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities announced the development of a National Transit Strategy, as a framework to capture objectives and priorities for public transit funding across the country. Metrolinx supports this effort to bring together the three levels of government to strategically develop and invest in transit projects that will help Canada achieve the goals of stronger economic productivity and international trade competitiveness.

   More About National Transit Strategy

Metrolinx is carrying out a preliminary assessment of the costs, benefits and impacts of locating a bus terminal in downtown Toronto.

Through May 2010 and onward, the PRESTO card is being rolled out through stages to the public. PRESTO is a modern solution for transit fare collection, allowing transit users to pay their fare and move across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton region, as well as Ottawa, with a single fare card.

For more information on PRESTO, including rollout dates, please visit www.prestocard.ca

Metrolinx is showing leadership by working with key stakeholders to develop regulatory and legislative changes that continue to protect the environment, but result in a significantly  streamlined environmental assessment process for public transit projects.

   More about the Provincial Environmental Assessment Process

   Federal Environmental Assessment for Transit Projects

All municipal and transit authorities have instituted emergency and safety plans to protect their residents, riders and business operations. In the event of a large scale natural disaster and public emergency, however, the consequences could easily cross municipal boundaries and affect neighbouring transit systems. We are one metropolitan region from Oshawa to Hamilton to Georgina; our legislation mandates Metrolinx to plan our response to emergency situations with that regional scope in mind.

Stepping it Up is a pilot project of Metrolinx in partnership with the Region of Peel, the City of Hamilton, Green Communities Canada, and the University of Toronto to provide options and encourage use of active and sustainable modes of school travel for students and staff. The pilot project starts rolling out activities at participating elementary schools in Fall 2009. The project will receive funding from Transport Canada’s ecoMOBILITY program over 2.5 years.

   Link to Stepping It Up site

Metrolinx will help municipalities across Ontario to save costs by coordinating their transit fleet acquisition orders, equipment specifications, and timing. By working collaboratively, we can reduce the unit cost of new buses, allowing the savings to be returned to taxpayers or reinvested in better transit customer service. It also allows us to advance public standards in areas such as environmental performance, fuel economy, disability access and advanced technology in a consistent and cost-effective way.

Metrolinx will collaborate with GO Transit, TTC and other transit and transportation providers across our region to implement a one-stop integrated trip planner system hosted by www.metrolinx.com. The trip planner will be customer-friendly: key in your origin and destination point, and the trip planner will display departure and arrival times, connection opportunities, fares and a route map. You will also find convenient links to real-time traffic and weather conditions, traffic incident reports, and even airport and border crossing delays. Metrolinx will also work collaboratively with the province’s Climate Change Secretariat and the Ministry of the Environment on a carbon footprint calculator feature which will measure the impact of our individual transportation and travel decisions on the quality of our air and natural environment.