Pathway Towards Fiscal Sustainability For Transit

of Karen Cameron, CEO, OPTA by Craig Norris, CBC
OPTA is on a mission to get the word out that transit agencies are facing a funding cliff. Even agencies with record ridership are looking at raising fares and cutting services – actions that impact affordability and will lead to the “transit death spiral”.
As part of our pre-budget efforts, OPTA did a series of interviews with CBC morning shows across the province to explain what’s at stake. As the CBC intros stated, the need for public transit is growing across Ontario, but many agencies are struggling to keep up with the demand. We’re hopeful that the provincial government is listening to OPTA as we advocate for frequent, reliable and affordable transit.

Media release
For Immediate Release

Ontario Public Transit Association Advocates for Urgent Transit Funding at Queen’s Park

Toronto (December 4, 2024) – The Ontario Public Transit Association (OPTA) is calling on the Government of Ontario to address critical funding gaps jeopardizing the reliability and affordability of public transit systems across the province. During OPTA’s Advocacy Day at Queen’s Park today, transit leaders highlighted the urgent need for sustainable provincial investment to support Ontario’s population growth and economic prosperity.

As ridership returns to pre-pandemic levels in most communities, transit systems are facing rising operating costs, aging infrastructure, and unprecedented population growth. Without immediate action, these pressures could lead to service reductions, fare increases, and stalled infrastructure projects – undermining the economic and social benefits that transit provides.

OPTA is advocating for an enhanced Dedicated Public Transit Fund (DPTF) in 2025 to address operational needs, replace aging vehicles, and modernize infrastructure. The association is also urging the province to match federal contributions under the Canada Public Transit Fund starting in 2026. This coordinated funding approach would ease financial burdens on municipalities, improve service reliability, and ensure affordability for transit users.

“Public transit is the backbone of Ontario’s cities and communities,” said Tony D’Alessandro, OPTA Chair and Director, Transit Services, Town of Milton. “Investing in transit infrastructure and services is not just a transportation solution; it’s a foundation for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to opportunities.”

Despite ridership growing by 28% between 2022 and 2023, operational funding has not kept pace. Many municipalities have been forced to deplete reserves, increase fares, or cut services—temporary measures that threaten Ontario’s long-term growth and affordability goals.

Transit systems in Ontario already operate with lean budgets and efficient practices, but the financial strain of serving rapidly growing communities requires increased provincial support. Past successes, such as the DPTF and the “One Fare” program in the Greater Toronto Area, demonstrate the value of strategic investments in promoting ridership and improving access. However, sustained funding is essential to maintain and build on these achievements.

As OPTA leaders convene at Queen’s Park, they are sending a clear message: provincial action is essential to preserve and enhance the transit systems that connect communities, reduce congestion, and drive Ontario’s prosperity.

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Media Contact:
Jon MacMull
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
macmull@cutaactu.ca
416-684-9808

Ontario Public Transit Association Advocates for Urgent Transit Funding at Queen’s Park

Toronto (December 2, 2024) – The Ontario Public Transit Association (OPTA) will host an advocacy day at Queen’s Park on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, to call attention to the urgent need for enhanced public transit funding in Ontario. OPTA representatives will meet with provincial leaders to discuss issues affecting transit systems, including operating funding shortfalls, rising service demands, and the need to replace aging infrastructure.

As ridership returns to pre-pandemic levels, Ontario’s transit systems are facing financial challenges that threaten service reliability and affordability. Without immediate action, these pressures could compromise key goals of the province’s growth strategy, including economic competitiveness and affordability for Ontarians.

🌟 Who: Ontario Public Transit Association (OPTA) representatives
✅ What: Lobby Day at Queen’s Park, advocating for fiscal sustainability in transit
📅 When: Wednesday, December 4, 2024
📍 Where: Queen’s Park, Toronto, Ontario

Media Opportunities:
✔️ Interviews with OPTA leadership on the state of Ontario’s transit systems and funding challenges, outside of Queen’s Park or virtually in the days after.
✔️ Photo opportunities with transit representatives advocating at Queen’s Park.
✔️ Insights into how enhanced transit funding can benefit Ontarians and support the province’s economic development goals.

Contact:
Jon MacMull
Director of Communications and Public Affairs, CUTA
416-684-9808