Traffic gridlock has long been a drag on Toronto’s economy. It’s not just an inconvenience for commuters—it’s a multibillion-dollar problem that affects businesses, supply chains, and the overall productivity of the region.
The economic toll of congestion has grown dramatically over time. In the 1980s, it was estimated at $1.9 billion annually. By 2008, that figure had tripled to $6 billion, and by 2013, it had surged past $11 billion. Today, the problem has reached crisis levels.
According to a 2024 study by the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis (CANCEA), congestion sets the regional economy back by $44.7 billion per year in social and economic costs—a stark reminder of the urgency for action.
And the cost of inaction will only climb. Left unchecked, congestion could cost the region $85.5 billion annually by 2044. This is no longer just a transportation concern—it’s a major competitiveness issue threatening the region’s economic future.
That's why the Board has long emphasized that transit expansion isn’t just about commuter convenience—it’s a strategic investment in economic growth. We’ve consistently advocated for solutions like fare integration, improved service coverage, and major infrastructure investments.
But addressing congestion isn’t simply about clearing roads. It’s about designing a transit system that offers people reliable, accessible alternatives to driving—and strengthening the backbone of a more productive, connected region.
As shown in our recent Congestion Action Plan Toronto is now working to catch up to its peers and meet its rapid transit needs.
“Building transit is never easy, but it’s going to be good for people. That’s why we are taking decisive action to get shovels in the ground…These are generational projects that will have a generational impact. It’s all about bringing the province together.”
- The Hon. Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, at our 9th Annual Transportation Symposium: Are We There Yet?
Enter the era of transit mega-projects.
From the Ontario Line to the Eglinton Crosstown and the continued expansion of GO Transit, the Toronto region is in the middle of the biggest transit transformation in its history—and the largest underway in North America.
These projects promise to create jobs, attract investment, and make the region’s economy more competitive. But they also come with challenges—delays, cost overruns, and complex planning hurdles. That’s why the Board continues to press for policies that fast-track construction, cut through bureaucracy, and ensure these projects deliver maximum benefit to businesses and communities alike.
The stakes are clear—and so is the opportunity. Tackling congestion isn’t just about fixing traffic; it’s about unlocking the Toronto region’s full economic potential. The cost of inaction is staggering, but the return on smart, coordinated investment is even greater. As these once-in-a-generation transit projects take shape, the Board will keep pushing to ensure they translate into real-world outcomes: faster commutes, stronger supply chains, thriving main streets, and a more connected, competitive region. The time to move from plans to progress is now—because the price of delay is simply too high.
Moving Toronto – A Legacy of Transportation Advocacy
For ten years, the Toronto Region Board of Trade has brought together leaders, experts, and decision-makers to discuss and drive forward Toronto’s transit and transportation agenda.
For ten years, the Toronto Region Board of Trade has brought together leaders, experts, and decision-makers to discuss and drive forward Toronto’s transit and transportation agenda. As we gear up for our 10th Annual Transportation Summit on March 26, we’re taking a look back at what we’ve accomplished, the challenges we’ve addressed, and the bold steps still needed to keep the region moving. Stay tuned for our event recap on March 27.
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