Peel region sustainable transportation - car alternatives

NRU
March 7, 2018
By Catherine Roberts

Peel Region has approved plans to promote walking, cycling and public transit, and reduce car dependency, in a new Sustainable Transportation Strategy that supports the development of "complete communities." Over the next five years, the Peel strategy approved last month by the regional council envisions more opportunities than currently exist for residents to live near they work, with access to local services, green spaces and great recreation all within walking distance.

"One of the challenges of planning is that the future will look very different from today," Peel transportation director Gary Kocialek told NRU. "There will be selfdriving cars and trucks and other new technologies that will have a huge impact on our transportation system."

Like other GTA jurisdictions, Peel's population continues to grow, with an estimated two million residents expected by 2041, up 500,000 from today. Over the same period the region expects to add 250,000 new jobs. Population and employment growth contributes to increased traffic congestion, which costs an estimated $400-million in lost productivity each year. Addressing traffic congestion issues, he said, is his number one priority.

Instead of widening roads to accommodate future growth, Peel is counting on residents to change behavior over time by opting for transit and other sustainable modes of transportation instead of the car. "Roads can't continue to be widened forever, and our existing travel behaviour has contributed to the congestion in the community," says Kocialek.

The Peel strategy identifies the potential for new infrastructure that enables residents to walk, bike or use public transit during rush hours or other "peak periods" instead of driving a car. Such a shift, if it materializes, would represent a significant increase in the use of sustainable transportation.

At present, only 11 per cent of Peel residents use transit while 62 per cent drive alone during morning rush hour. The region estimates that new infrastructure for cycling paths and pedestrian walkways would cost $207-million over the next 25 year.

Peel planners estimate that an increased focus on sustainable transportation alternatives would ultimately cost taxpayers three times less over time than only expanding the road system.

Over the next 12 months, Peel plans to roll out a number of new initiatives, Peel sustainable transportation manager Wayne Chan told NRU. The region has hired a consultant, at a cost of $90,000, to develop a telework toolkit for employers who would like to explore options for employees to work remotely. In addition, the region plans to update a carpool study to identify future locations for commuters to share rides.

Finally, the region will spend $50,000 to continue implementation of its school bike rack program and in June will launch "Bike Month."