As towns and cities in the UK and Canada continue to grow, transit will play an increasingly important role in connecting people to jobs, supporting economic growth, reducing environmental impact, and as the anchor for Transit Oriented Development/Communities (TOD/TOC). Transit systems are expanding in both countries with major investments in infrastructure and vehicles, but to encourage more people to ride transit there are many factors to consider. These include: the design of transit stations and integration with surrounding communities; getting the right service levels and timetables; and making travel simple and more convenient for riders.

Both the UK and Canada are focused on the role transit and infrastructure will play in economic recovery, and both have committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050. The transport sector is responsible for around a third of emissions in both Canada and the UK, and congestion costs billions of dollars and pounds each year. Well-functioning transit systems can help to address both these issues and deliver wider economic, social, and environmental benefits. This roundtable will provide an opportunity to discuss how to boost transit ridership, and support both countries on the journey to net zero.