New research from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) in Oshawa suggests Ontario can save billions of dollars in fuel costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 100 million tonnes by 2050 if it can address transportation issues and implement solutions that include increased reliance on alt-fuel vehicles.
The study, which focuses on the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and the Highway 401-407 corridor, takes into account that traffic congestion is already costing Torontonians approximately $6 billion per year due to higher fuel consumption, increased health-care costs and eroded real estate values. By exploring alternative transportation options such as the expansion of natural gas and electric vehicles, especially for heavy-duty trucking fleets, as well as the introduction of a Highway 401/407 rapid transit system throughout the GTA and southwestern Ontario, considerable benefits emerge.
Led by UOIT professor Daniel Hoornweg, the research takes a retrospective view from 2050, and concludes that a long-term approach focusing on clean and affordable solutions is feasible with the use of electric-powered personal vehicles and natural gas-powered buses and heavy-duty trucks.
“A large-scale transportation initiative emphasizing mobility, connectivity, integration and leadership is important for Ontario and Canada,” says Hoornweg.
In the 1930s, the Ontario government launched a solution to the province’s traffic congestion challenges by developing Highway 401. Construction began after World War II and the final section was completed in 1968. As the country’s busiest highway, it has long served as the anchor for the province’s economy and quality of life. Ontarians now stand at a similar, again crowded, crossroad.
Costs associated with congestion are expected to rise to $15 billion by 2030, and likely more than double that again by 2050, according to the study. Key findings suggest that by 2050, the Toronto region and linked cities such as Montreal, London, Peterborough, Kingston and Ottawa will need to be served by an extensive rapid transit system, that should be complemented with dedicated heavy-duty truck routes and shared local commuter vehicle routes. The study recommends these vehicles should switch from gasoline and diesel to natural gas, while personal vehicles should be electric-powered.
The potential changes, according to the study, would contribute to decreased greenhouse gas emissions, increased economic productivity and an improved transportation infrastructure.
“As a minimum, the proposed approach which includes making the switch to other cleaner, safer and more affordable energy alternatives, would provide fuel savings costs of some $76 billion and reduced greenhouse gas emissions of more than 100 million tonnes by 2050,” says Dr. Hoornweg.
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