Transforming the region progress

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Exciting progress on North America’s largest transit expansion

Newly released video highlights the recent transit building progress made across the region.

Feb 16, 2024

There is so much happening in the world of transit, right here in your own backyard.

From new routes to more stations, we’re in the middle of a once-in-a generation transit expansion.

All of this work will benefit the region and connect communities like never before.

That means reducing congestion, shortening commutes and making it more affordable to get where you want to go.

When we say a lot of transit, we’re talking about more than 40 different transit projects currently underway across 16 municipalities, and much more to come.

With so much going on, every year is a big year when it comes to building transit

Just take the last few months for example.

We added more GO Transit service to get you to world class destinations like Niagara Falls. And brought you more UP Express service to make it easier to get to Pearson Airport and back.

We even did things we’d never done before, like offer all-night NYE GO Train service, all in the name of cutting travel times and helping connect communities for the 8 million residents who call this area home.

It’s not just about adding more service (everyone loves more service!). We’re making transit more affordable and easier to use.

Through PRESTO, Metrolinx became the first transit agency in Canada to offer Interac Debit in addition to contactless credit in 2023, and we rolled out payments through Google Wallet too. And now with Ontario’s One Fare Program, transit riders can transfer for free when travelling between systems.

If seeing is believing, check out this newly released video that highlights much of the recent transit building progress made for so many communities across the region.

Metrolinx progress update video released at recent board of directors meeting. (Dan Lytwyn video)

Major transit progress

From key safety programs, to progress on sustainability and major milestones on transit expansion projects – there’s so much happening!

Speaking of transit expansion. In Peel Region, tracks are being put down for the Hazel McCallion Line, while the Finch West LRT and Eglinton Crosstown LRT are both in the testing and commissioning phase.

Deep below the city streets, tunneling is underway for the Scarborough Subway Extension and the main stretch of tunnels for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension are almost completely dug out.

Work has also started across all of the downtown stations for the Ontario Line subway project, and we’re making big strides on procurement on projects like the Yonge North Subway Extension.

A wide angle shot of the tunnel boring machines at the launch site

The launch site for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension tunnel boring machine. (Metrolinx image)

Supporting communities

Transforming the region isn’t easy, and we know our construction progress affects communities.

That’s why our dedicated Community Engagement teams are on the ground every day to listen to and support residents navigate disruption and stay informed.

It’s all about bringing communities into the conversation. Last year alone our teams held 848 community events, knocked on nearly 90,000 doors and mailed out more than 1.9 million construction notices right to people’s homes.

And of course, we’re supporting small businesses, bringing economic benefits and partnering with social enterprises too.

Community Engagement

Community engagement advisor Will Norman speaks to a resident at a community pop-up event. (Metrolinx image)

A bright transit future

This year, we did a lot and we continue to move forward with more than $80 billion of transit projects in the works. We want to thank our customers and communities for their continued support and patience as we move forward together on the largest transit expansion in North America. 

We look forward to making even more possibilities happen, in 2024 and beyond.


by Scott Money Metrolinx editorial content manager, Dan Lytwyn Metrolinx senior content producer

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