In the GTA, the cost of traffic congestion has risen beyond $2 billion a year in lost time, wasted fuel and productivity, and is expected to rise to $3 billion a year by 2021, according to the Toronto Board of Trade.

The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) predicts that by 2015, the number of annual smog-related premature deaths will rise to 2,600 in Ontario, hospital admissions will number 13,000, emergency room visits will be 18,000, and minor illnesses due to smog, such as asthma attacks, allergic reactions and throat problems, will increase to 53 million per year.

Owning a car can cost up to $8,000 per year (based on 18,000 km per year and a fuel cost of 86.9 cents per litre). (CAA Cost of driving)

Passenger road transportation makes up 49.9% of the average Canadians' GHG emissions. (Climatechange.gc.ca)

Transportation remains the largest source of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for 25% of overall emissions in Canada (31% in Ontario). GHG emissions are projected to rise 34% between 1990 and 2010. Transportation accounts for 31.5% of all energy used in Canada, with road vehicles responsible for 81% of that share. Ontario alone is home to six million vehicles, or almost half the nation’s total. The GTA is currently home to three million vehicles. This represents an overall increase of 39.2% from the 1990 level.

The OMA predicts lost time and productivity due to air-quality related illnesses and death will result in a loss of $374 million in 2005. This total is expected to increase to over $466 million by 2026

It is estimated that 85% of GTA commuters drive to work alone, creating congestion and intensifying poor air quality (Toronto Star).

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