Making Toronto Pearson more accessible is the basis of the draft strategy to expand public transit to and from the airport—mapping out $50 billion in new projects over 25 years. Metrolinx previewed The Big Move: Transforming Transportation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area plan on September 23.

“We have a world-class airport and we need world-class transportation to and from the airport. We applaud Metrolinx for a plan that would make an enormous difference for travellers – both domestically and for out-of-town visitors,” said GTAA President and CEO Lloyd McCoomb.

The Big Move sets out nearly 100 actions to build new transportation infrastructure and improve transit service. Once fully implemented, 1,150 km of new rapid transit service in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area will be created; 75 per cent of residents in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area will live within 2 km of rapid transit, compared to just 42 per cent currently; approximately 55 per cent of commuters will be able to get to work in 45 minutes or less by transit, compared to 38 per cent today; and the annual greenhouse gas emissions from passenger transportation per person will be reduced from 2.4 tonnes to 1.5 tonnes.

"Building the foundation for the transit expansion is the only sustainable thing to do," explains Toby Lennox, GTAA Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications.

With the growing population and current inefficiencies in the transit system, Metrolinx lays out a concrete plan to solve this challenge. The plan includes the addition of transit connections to Toronto Pearson from all directions: from downtown via a new rail link, east along Eglinton Ave., and from the north along Finch Ave. It will allow for convenient and reliable service to the airport not only for travellers, but will also provide for some 35,000+ employees at Toronto Pearson a cost-effective and convenient way to get to work.

Upon review and consultation, a final plan is set to roll out later this year.