Government must make sure it is aware of the emerging technologies that can help to solve some of the problems it is being asked to regulate. If the government does not have a vision of where it wants to be in 10 years, it will not get there. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 opinion leaders from the public and private sectors in Canada, the U.S. and Europe to discover their views on the emerging trends in transportation. In the opinion of many of those interviewed, Canada does not currently have an efficient transportation system. Roads are in need of repair.
Airports are overcrowded.
Financially troubled rail lines continue to serve remote unprofitable areas. Commuters in major centres like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver sit on congested roads that contribute to air pollution and increase their levels of stress. There is a need for a strong, consistent national transportation policy. There is a need for an integrated transportation policy. The policy should integrate not only modes of transportation, but also other federal areas such as economic policy, urban planning and development, environmental policies and Canada Customs policies.