Toronto Drivers State a Transit Preference Over Driving
Channel: NetNewsLedger News and Information
Date: 2024-03-13

TORONTO - BUSINESS - A recent survey commissioned by Hitachi Rail reveals that an overwhelming majority (80%) of Torontonians support investing in public transport over driving.

This survey could present opportunities for Thunder Bay where the Alstom plant, formerly Bombardier owned has been for decades the sole provider of rail vehicles for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).

For anyone who has sat in traffic during Toronto rush hour, that certainly makes sense. What can be a two hour plus commute is often less than an hour on the Go Train or the TTC.

These survey results mark a shift in perspective for the city, with almost two-thirds (62%) seeing public transport as more convenient than driving.

Although completed by Hitachi Rail, this survey does point to the potential for more contracts for the Thunder Bay Alstom manufacturing facility.

The research, conducted by SavantaComres across 12 global cities, indicates that many Torontonians are ready to make the switch, with nearly a third (30%) expecting to increase train use in the next five years.

Public Transit Gets the Green Light

The study found that while cars remain the primary mode of transportation (66%), half of commutes already involve public transport. Given the high approval rating for the convenience of public transit, Torontonians' support for public transit investment (80%) isn't surprising. A majority (53%) even favour increased road user charges to help fund these improvements.

What Torontonians Want: Speed and Space

Torontonians prioritize both convenience and personal safety (91%) when choosing public transit. However, the number one deterrent is overcrowding (53%). Respondents said they'd use public transport more if it offered the fastest journey time (80%) and avoided crowding (78%).