Research conducted on behalf of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) to assess transportation infrastructure sufficiency in the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH). The research aimed to address two main questions:
- Can ongoing and approved transit projects handle the projected population growth and housing development in the GGH?
- How does the shift to hybrid work-from-home impact transportation needs in the region?
The GGH is expected to experience significant population growth in the next 30 years, which could double transit commuters. The research focused on the capacity of the existing transportation network to accommodate this growth and changes in work patterns. The findings highlighted the importance of timely execution of key infrastructure projects and maintaining a portion of the workforce working from home (20% work-from-home rate) to sustain transportation capacity.
The report emphasized that if timely infrastructure projects are completed and work-from-home patterns continue as projected, the transportation network should be able to handle the anticipated growth. However, failure to meet these conditions could result in transportation challenges in the region. The impact of work-from-home patterns on transportation demand varies across regions based on demographics and work preferences.
To ensure sufficient transportation capacity, the report recommends a focus on timely infrastructure execution, adapting to changing work patterns, and collaboration between different municipalities and transit agencies within the GGH. Additionally, it suggests addressing the needs of younger individuals and low-income families who rely more on public transit and do not have flexible work-from-home options, as they may face higher transportation costs.
Overall, the report serves as a valuable resource for understanding the future transportation needs of the GGH and the implications of hybrid work-from-home arrangements on the region’s transit demands.
