Toronto's traffic crisis could cost $108B by 2044 without urgent reforms

Toronto's traffic woes are costing the city billions—and the problem is set to worsen. A new report from the Toronto Region Board of Trade (TRBT) outlines urgent steps to ease congestion, including smarter traffic signals and stricter rules for lane closures. Published in March 2025, the study warns that delays could nearly double in cost by 2044 without action.

The TRBT's report, Breaking Gridlock: Finishing the Job through Provincial Action, calls for sweeping changes. One key proposal is a citywide network of smart traffic signals that adjust in real time to ease bottlenecks. The report also pushes for mandatory impact assessments before any lane closures on provincial projects, ensuring disruptions are minimised.

Better co-ordination between transit agencies is another priority. The TRBT wants shared real-time data to cut down on private car use and improve public transport efficiency. To tackle persistent gridlock, the report suggests amending the Highway Traffic Act so vehicle owners face penalties for blocking intersections. Infrastructure upgrades are also on the table. The study recommends reviewing Ontario's highway network to pinpoint areas needing improvement, with a focus on the Gardiner Expressway. Meanwhile, the city has brought in Andrew Posluns as its new 'traffic czar' to oversee solutions. Yet, despite these proposals, no concrete provincial response has been announced. Toronto's traffic ranked as the second-worst in Canada in 2025, with congestion costing the economy an estimated $56.4 billion this year alone. Without intervention, the TRBT warns, that figure could balloon to $108 billion by 2044.

The report lays out clear measures, from smarter signals to stricter lane closure rules. If adopted, these steps could curb rising costs and improve daily commutes. For now, though, the province has yet to confirm which—if any—recommendations will move forward.