A solid transit system will keep Brampton moving ahead

Whether riding a bike, driving a vehicle or taking the bus, transportation affects everyone in Brampton. A liveable community needs an efficient and effective transportation network. Our Brampton Transit buses and operations play a big role to keep Brampton moving…and connected. In the last census, Brampton had the fourth-highest population in Ontario at 523, 911 – the second-highest growth rate among Canada’s 50 largest cities. Latest estimates have it over 600,000 people. In another 15 years, it is estimated that the city will be home to more than 800,000 residents. Population growth affects everyday things like going to school, commuting to work, or simply getting around the city. More people means the need for more subdivisions, more road networks, and more jobs. Brampton Transit service is one of the city’s major investments, and for good reason: ridership growth continues to outpace the national average. Efficient transportation and transit – within, into and through Brampton – is critical to this city’s economic success now and into the future. Traffic congestion is a major concern for everyone in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area. The reality is that we are sitting in our vehicles for too long. It takes longer and is more costly to get places. This puts a strain on our wallets, our families and our overall quality of life. Keeping pace with growth Continued investment in Brampton by the Canadian and Ontario governments is essential to the prosperity of our city and the broader region. Because of this, the City was able to add bus rapid transit service along the city’s major streets. Züm hit the road in 2010, and currently has routes along Main, Bovaird, Queen East and Steeles East. Two new Züm routes are coming soon: Steeles West in 2015, and Queen West in 2016. Keeping pace with population growth effectively costs money. New routes mean adding drivers, buses, terminals and shelters. Brampton Transit’s fleet includes buses with increased accessibility, improved fare collection, and SmartBus technologies. Ongoing review and improvement of safety initiatives keeps passengers and bus operators safe. The City has a clear objective with its transit plans: make more connections for residents and visitors that allow them to take full advantage of our economic, social and cultural opportunities. In order for riders to connect easily with neighbouring municipalities, creating links with established bus lines is a priority for the City. This includes partnering with the Ministry of Transportation and the Federal government to bring all-day, two-way GO rail service to Brampton. It also means getting the Hurontario/Main Street Light Rail Transit line back on track, and continuing to plan for rapid transit along the Queen Street corridor. Innovative communities around the world rely on connections – between indidividuals, businesses and neighbouring communities – to grow, succeed and provide employment opportunities close to home.