Transport Canada Survey: The Future of Transportation in Canada

"Transport Canada believes listening to Canadians will help us better fulfil our mandate, deliver programs, launch new initiatives and build public trust.

Giving Canadians, our stakeholders and industry experts more opportunities to get involved will give us new perspectives and identify the public's concerns and values. This knowledge leads to more creative solutions, more effective policies and better decisions.

Sharing your views on the following main elements will help us develop a long-term agenda for the future of transportation in Canada."

Read on for my quick thoughts to the questions or fill out the survey at the link here ​http://tc.sondages-surveys.ca/s/FT_AT/?l=en

Safer Transportation

A safe transportation system is vital to the life of the country. Where are the opportunities to improve to transportation safety in all modes?  

Comments: ​Separate users! For decades we have built roads for cars with little thought for other modes, its time for the government to undo this mistake and fund segregated cycling facilities, it will improve the health of our population by enabling more people to cycle, it will reduce conflicts with cars/trucks/buses, therefore improving safety. For roads in general, safety improvements have often led to the removal of danger, thus encouraging speed, speed then increases severity of any collision that may occur. The government should encourage street design for people first and foremost. 

Trade Corridors to Global Markets

Efficient and connected transportation systems for moving goods to market is important for our economy. What should be the key priorities to increase Canada’s competitive position as a trading nation? What transportation policies and public/private partnerships could bring the greatest results for Canadians? 

Comments:​ Project that separate goods movement from the general population have the benefit of reducing impacts to local communities and improving the efficiency of the transportation system by providing dedicated transportation corridors. For example, where long trains sever communities and block roadways, grade separation of crossings can reduce the conflict and potential for collisions. 

Green and Innovative Transportation

What new approaches and technologies do you believe will help Canada reduce the impact of transportation on the environment? What new technologies and innovative practices do you believe will help Canada improve transportation safety and security, move people and goods more efficiently, reduce congestion, and provide new solutions for traffic and transportation needs of cities?

Comments: First and foremost, with a rapidly expanding population, the potential to significantly reduce transportation emissions is very challenging. Electric vehicle technology may ultimately reduce emission but the time frame is too long and unlikely to help us meet short term emissions targets. The continued construction of single family homes in suburban neighbourhoods only serves to continue the automobile reliant trend. Every single home is a guaranteed new car trip (or two or three...). The general populations housing expectations is a challenge with aspirations of their own home on their own lot. This is still very affordable in many locations so the 'stick' of high house prices forcing multi-family home living is only viable in our major urban centres. Getting people into high density mixed use transit orientated development is the only real way to reduce our transportation impacts on the environment.

The Traveller - The Passenger

How can the transportation sector better meet travellers’ needs and expectations for safe, secure, accessible and affordable travel?

Comments: ​​Control the speed of commercial vehicles, i'm frequently shocked at the driving standards of many trucks/buses on our roads today and the speeds they drive on our highways. Subsidize transit to make it more affordable, create mode-shift, less cars means less collisions, means less emissions. 

​ Waterways, Coasts and the North

How can the marine transportation system support economic growth while protecting coastal communities and the environment? 
 
In Canada’s northernmost regions, what transportation improvements are most needed to safely and sustainably support basic community access and unlock their economic growth potential?

​Comments: No comment