Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, and Ontario need a better road and public transit networks as the current infrastructure is inadequate and dated. In fact 4 out of 10 cities with the worst traffic in North America are Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. The current public transit infrastructure was mostly built in the 50s and 60s and requires significant investment.
Calgary
Cities in Canada have chosen different approaches to address aging infrastructure. In Calgary, for example, the chosen plan for action is to invest in road and rail transit infrastructure. Major projects include the installation of interchanges, upgrades of intersections, upgrades and rehabilitation of existing roads, and construction of new roads. The Green Line is a public transit network designed as a light rail transit line that will add 46 km of track and 28 stations to the current track and stations. The Green Line will serve 27 communities between Seton and Keystone. The line will make it possible to commute to business revitalization zones, Stampede Park, the Central Library, National Music Centre, recreational centres, and the South Health Campus.
Vancouver
A number of planning projects have been developed to make infrastructural improvements in the City of Vancouver. Construction works on Highway 4 aim to make the lanes wider and enhance road safety. Major projects are also underway in Metro Vancouver to improve efficiency, connect communities, and solve traffic congestion problems. Key projects include the Surrey-Newton-Guildford Light Rail Transit project and Broadway Subway project which are expected to receive over $3 billion in provincial and federal funding. The City of Surrey, City of Vancouver, and Translink will contribute a total of 1.23 billion. The Government of British Columbia and the Canadian government will contribute $1.82 and $1.37 billion, respectively. The goal is to build rapid transit networks to connect underserved areas. The Surrey-Newton-Guildford Light Rail Transit project will add 10 km of track and 11 stations to enable passengers to commute across Lower Mainland.
Toronto
In Toronto, a project has been implemented to make TTC stations more accessible, replace tracks, relocate walkaways, and add lighting. The project is underway to add security cameras, enhance signage, install automatic sliding doors, and install elevators for easier access. Some stations are already accessible, including Coxwell, St Clair West, and Woodbine. Others are still undergoing renovation, including St Patrick, Royal York, and Dupont. The Line 1 extension is already open.
Eglinton Crosstown LRT is a new major transit line project. It will run East-West on Eglinton Ave. A number of factors have been assessed such as monitoring measures, construction methods, bus terminals, station locations, and future and current environmental conditions.
Hamilton
A Light Rail Transit Project is underway in Hamilton to connect McMaster University with Eastgate Square. The project will be completed by 2014 and will receive provincial funding of $1 billion.
London
The London Bus Rapid Transit System is another project that aims to build two transit lines going south-west and north-east. The cost of the project is $500 million, and funding is provided by the Canadian government.
Other projects include the Toronto SmartTrack, Toronto Finch West LRT, Hurontario LRT, and Ottawa Confederation LRT. The Hurontario LRT project involves the construction of a line that will connect the Brampton's Gateway Terminal and Port Credit GO Station. The LRT will stop at North Service, Dundas, Central Parkway, Ray Lawson, and more. The project will be completed by 2022 and will cost $1.4 billion, provided by the provincial government. Construction works have already started. The Ottawa Confederation LRT will be constructed to replace the outdated Transitway system and will be funded by the federal and provincial governments and the City of Ottawa.