The period from 2005 to 2014 was a transformative decade for public transit across Canada. With a strong focus on sustainability and modernization, transit systems took bold steps toward improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

In 2005, Vancouver’s TransLink made a pivotal move by approving the introduction of fare gates and a smart card system. This system, which later became the Compass Card, revolutionized fare collection in the region. The smart card not only simplified payments but also enhanced security across the transit network, reflecting the city’s commitment to modernization.

The city of Kelowna made history the same year by rolling out Canada’s first production hybrid buses, signalling a significant shift toward cleaner and more sustainable public transit. These hybrid buses helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions, sparking a wave of interest across the country in eco-friendly transportation solutions.

Following Kelowna’s example, transit systems nationwide began embracing hybrid and electric buses. By the 2010s, cities like Toronto and Vancouver committed to electrifying their fleets. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) added battery-electric buses, while Vancouver’s TransLink began deploying electric buses, marking a critical step toward zero-emission public transit fleets.

In 2007, the PRESTO card was introduced in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), transforming how riders paid for transit. The contactless smart card system replaced traditional paper tickets and tokens, making fare payments more seamless for commuters. Over time, PRESTO expanded to cities like Ottawa, integrating with multiple transit systems across Ontario. By the 2010s, PRESTO had further evolved, allowing users to load fares online and through mobile apps, making fare management easier and more convenient for riders.

While other cities were making leaps in modernization, Edmonton took a different route. In 2009, the city council voted to decommission the trolley bus operations as part of cost-saving measures due to a city-wide budget deficit. The last trolley bus ran on May 2, 2009, marking the end of an era for Edmonton’s transit system.

Environmental sustainability became a growing concern as the 2010s progressed. Canada’s push for greener transit solutions took centre stage during the 2010 Winter Olympics when Whistler unveiled the world’s largest hydrogen fuel cell fleet, showcasing Canadian innovation in clean energy.

Following this, other cities embraced sustainable transit as well. Nanaimo and Kamloops introduced Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses in 2014 and 2015, continuing the momentum toward eco-friendly public transportation.

Vancouver’s SkyTrain system continued to lead the way in fully automated, driverless transit technology. The opening of the Canada Line in 2010 was a major milestone, further expanding the SkyTrain network.

Looking ahead, expansions like the Broadway Subway (expected in 2026) and Toronto’s Ontario Line (expected by 2030) will also use driverless technology, highlighting the growing trend toward more efficient, automated public transit systems.

Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll dive deeper into the exciting developments coming up with automated transit technology in Canada.