The late-90s to early 2000s marked a dynamic era of growth for public transit in Canada, with a flurry of major developments, and perfect timing as the world was preparing to usher in a new millennium.

Across Canada, transit systems were making significant strides towards sustainability. In 1999, Transport Canada launched the Moving On Sustainable Transportation (MOST) program, which funded over 55 projects nationwide, creating greener and more efficient transit solutions, CUTA was one of six of these final projects. In 2003, CUTA continued its advocacy efforts by organizing the International Youth Summit on Sustainable Urban Transportation, which brought together young leaders from across Canada and the world to advance sustainable transit solutions. Public support for transit grew significantly during this period, with 71% of Canadians recognizing its role in improving communities, up from 58% the year before. CUTA’s initiatives included a successful advertising campaign that generated over 57 million impressions, alongside workshops and events that engaged 120 stakeholders across the country. The distribution of 10,000 issue papers further amplified CUTA’s efforts, securing over $150,000 in additional funding for transit projects.

The early 2000s were a period of innovation for sustainable public transit. In 2000, the city of Victoria introduced North America’s first low-floor double-deck buses, setting a new standard for accessibility. Two years later, Saskatoon Transit took a bold environmental step by operating two experimental “Bio-buses,” powered by a canola-diesel blend, reflecting the transit industry’s growing focus on reducing its environmental impact. 

Toronto’s Union Station also embarked on a major revitalization plan during this period, aimed at modernizing the city’s key transit hub and improving services for millions of commuters. By November 2004, the Sheppard Subway Line officially opened, becoming Toronto’s first new subway line in nearly 30 years. This new corridor connected several important suburban areas, offering much-needed transit options for the city’s northeast.

In Ontario, GO Transit underwent a major shift. On September 27, 2001, Premier Mike Harris announced the provincial government would take back responsibility for GO Transit, committing $3 billion to public transit. By January 1, 2002, GO Transit officially became a provincial responsibility, a shift formalized by the GO Transit Act, 2001.

This era of innovation, expansion, and a growing focus on sustainability helped lay the foundation for a more accessible, efficient, and eco-conscious public transit system in Canada.