The Big Move, A Transformational Plan

Decades of underinvestment in public transportation and rampant urban sprawl have created a region centred around the automobile, and commute times experienced by Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) residents are among the longest in North America.

With the region’s population expected to reach 8.6 million by 2031, governments are realizing that action must be taken in order to prevent and eliminate these challenges. As a result, the Government of Ontario created Metrolinx, an agency tasked with creating a plan for an integrated transportation system for the GTHA. This regional transportation plan, named The Big Move, sets priorities, policies, and programs 25 years into the future to create an expanded, efficient, and sustainable transportation network that will strengthen the economy and improve quality of life. The plan is divided into 9 Big Moves, which are priority actions that will have the most transformational impact on the region’s transportation system. Big Moves 1, 4, and 7 are described in further detail below.

Big Move 1: A fast, frequent and expanded regional rapid transit network, outlines large infrastructure projects, including subway expansion, bus rapid transit, and light rail that will connect communities across the region. Upon completion of The Big Move, over 80% of GTHA residents will live within 2 kilometers of a rapid transit service.

Big Move 4: Complete walking and cycling networks with bikesharing programs, strives to increase the amount of active transportation trips taken in the region. With an improved walking and cycling network, The Big Move claims that every GTHA urban resident will live within 1 kilometer of a dedicated bicycling facility.

Big Move 7: A system of connected mobility hubs, will focus growth and development around major transit stations, creating vibrant places of activity and serve as destinations in themselves.

In total, The Big Move will cost $50 billion, at a rate of $2 billion per year for 25 years. This large and necessary investment will undoubtedly create a more sustainable and competitive urban region, where one-third of all trips to work will be taken by transit, and one-fifth will be taken by walking or cycling.