According to the Toronto Region Board of Trade, congested roadways cost the city $6-billion annually in travel delays, vehicle operating costs and accidents, with that figure is slated to climb to $15-billion in coming years if the problem is not adequately addressed. As it stands, the residents of Toronto and the GTA have the longest commutes in North America and they will increase an additional 30 minutes on average if nothing is done.

Toronto traffic, image by Steveve

In an effort to get a grasp of the ever-increasing commute times and congestion in Toronto, City Council has approved a comprehensive Congestion Management Plan that will help alleviate traffic woes throughout the city.

The $57-million dollar Congestion Management Plan will focus on upgrading Toronto’s traffic signal management system by the end of next year; the re-evaluation and co-ordination of approximately 1000 traffic signals; installation of 100 traffic cameras on arterial roads for better detection of problems; 13 additional variable message signs along the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway; and better management and use of curb lanes.

Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong assures us that “many of these initiatives will help reduce vehicle delays, fuel consumption for drivers as well as reduce the impact on our environment. And it’s not just about the moving cars. About 60 percent of TTC users travel on our road network. Getting our road system performing more efficiently will improve the quality of life for all residents.”

Other initiatives are already underway to help improve traffic flow in Toronto. By the end of this year, the City will have re-timed 245 traffic signals along parts of Kingston Road, Weston Road, Keele Street, Parkside Drive and both Lawrence Avenue East and Lawrence Avenue West.

The City is also looking at The Downtown Traffic Operations Study, which has found a number of ways to help further decrease congestion in the downtown core. Some initiatives outlined in this report include dedicated curb side locations for couriers during non-rush hour periods; traffic assistance personnel who would discourage blockages at key intersections; and extending the peak-period parking regulations and turn prohibitions on select roads like Queen and King streets. The initiatives outlined in the Congestions Management Plan and those suggested in the Downtown Traffic Operations Study can be implemented relatively quickly and cheaply compared to building completely new infrastructure, whether it be roadways or public transit.