In the fast growing, complex and diverse Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), transit discussions rarely focus on improving access for the greatest number of people and addressing the complex needs of the public. As plans are made, money is spent, routes are plotted and far schedules are set, "transit equity" must enter the discussion. The project argued that we need to reframe the discussion to consider transit equity, or how to use infrastructure investment and operation to help the greatest number of current and future transit users across the region. Instead of focusing on equality, where everyone is treated the same, transit equity recognizes that people have different needs, situations, and challengers that require different responses. The project relied on extensive stakeholder consultations, case study research, and an analysis of fares across the 10 GTHA transit agencies. A copy of the report, Next Stop: Equity is now available online. Funding: Metrolinx. $39,100.

Researcher: Roger Keil and MIchael Collens (Co-PIs); Sean Hertel (PI)

Project Theme: Urban Planning