From modernizing fare systems to launching cleaner, greener fleets, the period from 2015 to 2024 saw transformative changes across Canada’s public transit landscape. As cities embraced technology, accessibility, and sustainability, public transit systems became more efficient and rider-friendly, shaping the future of urban mobility.

In 2014, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) began replacing its aging streetcar fleet with Flexity Outlook streetcars, manufactured by Bombardier. These sleek, modern vehicles featured improved accessibility, air conditioning, and increased capacity, offering a smoother and more comfortable ride for Toronto commuters. By 2019, the last of the iconic CLRV (Canadian Light Rail Vehicle) and ALRV (Articulated Light Rail Vehicle) streetcars were retired, marking the end of an era and the full integration of the Flexity streetcars into the TTC network.

In 2015, Metrolinx introduced Regional Express Rail (RER) to the Greater Toronto Area, electrifying portions of the GO Transit network and introducing all-day, two-way service on key routes. This dramatically reduced travel times between Toronto and surrounding cities. That same year, the launch of the UP Express connected downtown Toronto with Pearson Airport in just 25 minutes, further expanding commuter options.

Across Canada, real-time bus tracking systems were improving rider experience. In 2018, BC Transit launched NextRide, allowing passengers to check bus locations through apps and websites. Real-time transit tracking systems became common across cities, with apps like Transit and Google Maps providing up-to-the-minute information on routes, schedules, and delays, giving riders more control over their journeys.

In 2019, Ottawa expanded its O-Train network with the launch of the Confederation Line, a major investment in light rail transit (LRT). This modern system improved urban mobility in the nation’s capital and set an example for other cities looking to enhance their public transit networks with LRT solutions. Similarly, Edmonton expanded its Valley Line LRT, and Toronto’s Eglinton Crosstown LRT is set to redefine east-west connectivity in the city when it opens.

Two years later, Greyhound Canada ceased operations after nearly 100 years of service, highlighting a growing gap in intercity transportation options. As regional rail networks expanded, the need for integrated, multimodal transportation services became more pressing.

In March 2022, construction began on the Ontario Line, a fully automated subway system set to transform transit in Toronto. Spanning 15.6 kilometres, with 15 stations connecting Exhibition Place to the Ontario Science Centre, the line is expected to open by 2030. With automated trains and modern signalling, the Ontario Line promises to provide rapid, frequent service with trains running every 90 seconds at peak times.

The following year, Montreal launched the Réseau express métropolitain (REM), a fully automated light rail network that connects the greater Montreal area to downtown, including the airport. This ambitious project is one of Canada’s largest public transit expansions and represents a significant leap forward in modern, sustainable urban transit.

Transit agencies across Canada continue to make strides toward greener, more sustainable systems. The TTC invested in battery-electric and hybrid buses and opened the McNicoll Bus Garage in 2021 to accommodate its growing fleet. Meanwhile, PRESTO fully replaced paper tickets, tokens, and passes, simplifying fare payments and introducing two-hour transfers that make commuting more flexible. The next step was Open Payment, which currently allows riders to pay with credit or debit cards directly.

With tools like NextRide and Transit App, riders access real-time updates, making commutes faster and more efficient. Multimodal transport options, such as bike-share programs integrated with public transit in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, provide commuters with greener, more flexible travel options for short trips.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted many rapid changes in transit operations. Agencies adopted enhanced sanitation protocols, contactless payment options, and dynamic service adjustments based on ridership analytics. These innovations ensured safer, more efficient travel for passengers, even during challenging times.

CUTA transit systems and other organizations focused on ridership recovery following the pandemic. Many systems have fully recovered from the reduction of ridership following the pandemic.

CUTA was crucial in helping transit agencies recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. We advocated for financial support from federal and provincial governments to address budget shortfalls, provided guidelines for safe operations, and collected data to guide recovery strategies. CUTA also assisted with communication efforts to rebuild rider confidence and supported innovative solutions like contactless payments. Their efforts led to significant financial aid, and safer transit environments, and restored public trust, playing a key role in the revitalization of Canada’s transit systems.

While the pandemic brought uncertainty, it also sparked significant technological advancements and innovations. Much like during WWII, this period showcased public transit’s resilience, adaptability, and crucial role in society. Amid global upheaval, public transit proved to be a reliable backbone of daily life.

Our Fare Recovery Issue Paper provided strategies for restoring ridership and revenue post-pandemic, while the Ridership Methodology Report aimed to standardize how transit systems measure and report ridership metrics. Additionally, CUTA’s On-Demand Toolkit offered practical guidance for implementing flexible, on-demand transit services, and the Housing and Transit Integration Report examined the link between transit access and housing affordability.

CUTA was also instrumental in advocating for the Canada Public Transit Fund, a $30 billion initiative set to launch in 2026. This 10-year program will provide stable funding for infrastructure upgrades and promote sustainable transit by encouraging high-density housing near transit hubs and eliminating minimum parking requirements in certain areas.

As our blog series concludes, we reflect on the enduring importance of public transit, which has been driving societal progress for over a century. For the past 120 years, CUTA has been unwavering in its support and advocacy for public transit, and it will continue to champion these essential services for decades to come.