Understanding Metrolinx's "The Big Move 2020" transit expansion plan through GIS Technologies

October 08, 2015

10:35am - 10:50am

This thesis was completed for a graduate level geographic information systems (GIS) research course offered through the Department of Geography and Program in Planning at the University of Toronto. The growing problem of congestion in the City of Toronto and Regional Municipality of York is evident through not only gridlock but in the high rate of urbanization displayed in both cities. The objective of this study was to determine whether Metrolinx’s proposed transit expansion plan could optimally meet the demand in the City of Toronto and Regional Municipality of York using GIS analyses. In addition, several recommendations were made on how to ameliorate the proposed transit expansion plan and identify which lines should have the higher priority.

Multiple indicators were studied to locate the areas of highest priority: Commute time, household size, ageing, and population density representing social indicators; income level, unemployment rate, and occupational type representing economic indicators. Lastly, land cover type, air pollution level, and terrain relief represent environmental and topographic indicators.

Speakers