Funding Transportation in the Dark? The Case Study of Ontario, Canada

The challenges of funding transportation infrastructure and services are significant and they shape both what is built and how individuals travel. Transportation funding sources are evolving considering changing technologies. The case study of Ontario, Canada, which is in the process of a generational investment in transit infrastructure, illustrates opportunities for addressing these challenges. This case study uses a policy assessment lens considering efficiency, equity, efficacy/feasibility, and environmental sustainability. Ontario's policy shift was spurred by the increased provincial role in transit capital funding and supportive policies, but its success depends on future provincial governments continuing to prioritize transportation investments. With a slowly increasing federal role, there are also new funding opportunities. Looking forwards, municipalities need more options to fund transportation themselves and more consistency as an alternative to relying on the provincial political process to deliver funds. Four key questions are highlighted which shape the future of transportation funding in Ontario.