The Ontario Public Transit Association (OPTA) recently held its Annual Queen’s Park Advocacy Day, bringing together over 20 delegates from transit agencies, businesses, and associations across Ontario. This event provided an invaluable platform for engaging with government officials and discussing the key challenges and priorities facing Ontario’s public transit sector.

The day began with a breakfast reception sponsored by the Honourable Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. Delegates used this informal setting to network and exchange insights on critical transit issues before transitioning to a busy schedule of meetings with policymakers.

Throughout the day, delegates held over 25 productive engagements with elected officials and staff from across the political spectrum. Key participants included:

• Premier Doug Ford
• Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria
• NDP Transit and Active Transportation Critic Joel Harden
• Stephen Blais, Ontario Liberal Party Critic for Infrastructure and Municipalities
• Green Party MPP Aislinn Clancy

These meetings focused on OPTA’s top policy priorities:

1. Enhancing the Dedicated Public Transit Fund (DPTF), also known as the Provincial Gas Tax program, to better support the growing needs of transit systems.
2. Encouraging provincial collaboration with the federal government to provide matched capital funding for transit infrastructure projects through the baseline stream of the Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF). Recent examples of successful funding collaboration include a $1.2 billion bilateral investment for the TTC’s Line 2 modernization projects, and $8.3 billion in matched provincial funding for transit initiatives supported by the Investing in Canadian Infrastructure Program (ICIP).

These discussions underscored the significant role Ontario’s transit systems play in supporting the province’s economic, environmental, and social goals. However, delegates emphasized that without sustained and enhanced funding, transit systems face critical challenges such as rising operating costs, aging infrastructure, and the pressures of unprecedented population growth.

 

Addressing Urgent Transit Challenges

Despite a 28% increase in ridership between 2022 and 2023, operational funding has not kept pace. Many municipalities have had to rely on temporary measures, such as depleting reserves, increasing fares, or cutting services—actions that undermine the affordability and growth goals essential to Ontario’s future.

Transit systems already operate with lean budgets and efficient practices, but serving rapidly expanding communities requires greater provincial support. Past successes, like the DPTF and the “One Fare” program in the Greater Toronto Area, highlight how strategic investments can drive ridership and improve access. Enhanced funding is critical to maintain and build upon these achievements, ensuring that public transit continues to provide economic and social benefits for Ontario residents.

 

Building Partnerships for the Future

OPTA is grateful for the government’s continued support of transit infrastructure and for the many constructive conversations throughout Advocacy Day. This cornerstone event strengthens collaboration and mutual understanding between transit leaders and policymakers, creating a solid foundation for future progress.

Looking ahead, OPTA remains dedicated to advancing the priorities of Ontario’s public transit sector. This commitment includes ongoing meetings with MPPs, active participation in pre-budget consultations through in-person presentations, and submitting detailed recommendations to the Standing Committee on Finance and the Ministry of Finance.

 

How You Can Help

To support OPTA’s advocacy efforts, we encourage you to review and share the informational package with your network and local elected officials. Together, we can communicate the importance of public transit and address the challenges facing transit systems and their communities.

Visit OPTA’s website for more information.