For businesses in the Toronto region, transit isn’t just a public service—it’s an economic necessity. Over the years, our members—from small business owners to industry leaders and policymakers—have shared concerns about gridlock, transit costs and service limitations affecting their ability to attract talent and operate efficiently.
These insights have shaped the Board’s transportation and transit advocacy, ensuring that our work reflects the real challenges employers, workers, and communities face.
Our research and reports have been driven by these priorities. Erasing the Invisible Line brought fare integration to the forefront, addressing the long-standing issue of double fares when crossing municipal boundaries. Getting on the Right Track explored how regional rail could unlock new economic opportunities by shifting to an all-day, frequent service model. Next Stop tackled last-mile transit gaps that make it harder for people to reach jobs, while The Price of Progress examined the financial challenges of transit expansion and ways to accelerate project delivery.
The Board’s Transit Report Cards introduced a framework for measuring transit agency performance and encouraging transparency. By highlighting areas for improvement, these reports contributed to the broader conversation on service delivery and transit planning across the region.
Feedback from our members has also underscored the need for better coordination across transit agencies. In response, the Board has long advocated for greater fare and service integration across the region to improve the rider experience and build a more connected transit network.
The impact of this work has been tangible. One example came at our 8th Annual Transportation Symposium, Ontario’s Associate Minister of Transportation at the time, the Hon. Stan Cho, announced that full fare integration across the GTA would be implemented by the end of that year.
“[Transit] should be simple, it should be affordable, but I hear very often from transit riders, they are frustrated by their current experience.”
– The Hon. Stan Cho, Former Associate Minister of Transportation
While this move directly responded to concerns raised by businesses and commuters about affordability and accessibility, it also reflected years of ongoing dialogue and collaboration across all levels of government. As always, it takes a village to bring about meaningful change—and this was a milestone shaped by collective advocacy and momentum.
Our efforts continue to be shaped by what we hear from members and partners. From airports to rail systems, waterfront transit to congestion solutions, the issues that matter to our business community drive our advocacy priorities—and the work isn’t done yet.
This year, we’ve continued to build on this momentum. Informed by polling data from Ipsos showing overwhelming public concern about congestion, the Board published our comprehensive Congestion Action Plan for Toronto—outlining five key recommendations to tackle the region’s growing gridlock crisis. This Plan adds to our body of policy work, reinforcing our commitment to solutions that keep people and goods moving and support regional economic vitality.
That momentum is on full display this week. Tomorrow, we’re convening more than 350 attendees at our sold-out 10th Annual Transportation Symposium—a testament to how strongly the business community is engaged in solving the region’s transit and congestion challenges. This milestone event brings together leaders, policymakers, and members to explore practical, high-impact solutions that move our region forward.
As the region continues to grow, the Board remains committed to bringing businesses and decision-makers together to develop solutions that strengthen the Toronto region’s transit system and support long-term economic prosperity.
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.
Thank you to our partners:
