This week’s Transit Highlights showcase continued progress across Canada’s public transit sector, with initiatives focused on improving rider convenience, strengthening regional connections and adopting new technology. From northern Ontario to British Columbia, transit agencies and municipalities are advancing projects that support more flexible service, better fare payment systems and improved coordination with regional rail.

Timmins Working on Bus Service to Meet Northlander Trains

The City of Timmins is working on a pilot bus service designed to connect with the future return of Ontario Northland’s Northlander passenger rail service. Because trains are expected to arrive after regular Timmins Transit operating hours, staff are exploring options to extend or adjust service so riders can reach destinations across the city. The initiative is intended to strengthen connections between local transit and regional passenger rail as the Northlander prepares to resume service linking northern Ontario communities with Toronto.

Toronto Advancing Transit Signal Priority for Finch West and Eglinton Crosstown Lines

Toronto transit projects are incorporating transit signal priority to improve travel times and reliability for light rail riders. The technology allows traffic signals to adjust when trains approach intersections, helping vehicles move through crossings more efficiently. It is being used on both the Finch West LRT and the Eglinton Crosstown line as part of broader efforts to improve transit performance and support faster trips across the network.

Saskatoon Transit to Launch New Smart Card System

Saskatoon Transit will introduce new reloadable smart cards on March 20 to improve convenience for riders using the system. The cards will integrate with the agency’s existing Masabi mobile ticketing platform, allowing customers to tap either a card or a mobile device on the same validator. The upgrade is designed to simplify fare payment and provide more flexible options for adult, senior and high school riders using the network.

Squamish to Launch On-Demand Bus Service March 30

BC Transit, the District of Squamish and the Province of British Columbia are launching a new on-demand transit service in Squamish starting March 30. The service will allow riders to request trips through a mobile app, improving flexibility and expanding access in neighbourhoods that are not well served by fixed routes. The initiative is delivered in partnership with technology provider Via Transportation and will connect riders to key destinations and the broader transit network in the community.

Together, these developments highlight the many ways transit systems across Canada continue to evolve to meet changing rider needs. From new payment technologies to flexible service models and stronger regional connections, agencies are advancing solutions that support accessible and reliable mobility for communities nationwide.