IMFG 2012 Seminar Series

Moving Our Region: Transportation for the Future

Supported by Metrolinx

IMFG is continuing its series from last year on Moving Our Region: Transportation for the Future. These talks focus on the importance of transportation infrastructure to the economy of the city-region, the private sector’s role in transportation, and revenue tools for funding transit. The series brings together noted transportation policy-makers, practitioners, and academics to discuss critical issues that will profoundly influence the future growth and prosperity of the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area (GTHA).

Session 2
Private Sector and Public Transit:
How Private Sector Participation Inspired Innovation and Helped Deliver the Canada Line Rapid Transit Project in Vancouver

Keynote Speaker:
Jane Bird, President and CEO, Columbia Power Corp., and former CEO, Canada Line Rapid Transit Inc.

Moderator:
Doug Turnbull, Deputy Chair, TD Securities

Jane Bird examined the relationship between government and the private sector and their respective roles in developing and operating transportation infrastructure. As part of her presentation, she  discussed how private sector participation in the development of the 19 km Canada Line in Vancouver inspired innovation and delivered the project on time and on budget. She also discussed the opportunities and challenges of engaging in public-private partnerships, and assessed the role the private sector can play in building transportation infrastructure and operating transportation services.

All images courtesy of Paul Till.