The City of Toronto announced yesterday they will be partnering with Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) to improve transportation across the city.
This announcement comes six months after Toronto introduced the Congestion Management Plan 2023-2026, to combat traffic and road closure concerns.
The plan, released in October 2023, discusses the recommendations and limitations of the growing need for congestion solutions.
“This situation emphasizes the demand for better coordination of access to the right-of-way and the need for improved traffic management overall to help mitigate the impacts of congestion while maintaining safety for all road users,” the report said.
The City shared a press release outlining the plan to improve road safety, including other partnerships with companies like Bell Canada and Rogers Communications to launch traffic cameras and sensors.
“Following the pilots, the City may procure the technologies that successfully demonstrate the ability to alleviate congestion, improve road safety, enhance transit priority and make transportation more efficient for Toronto residents, businesses and visitors,” the release read.
The city shared the OVIN partnership will give $100,000 in funding to small and medium-sized companies to test out the technologies, made possible by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The OVIN website outlines the various requirements and objectives for funding, specifying companies need to have technology readiness levels between seven and nine.
“By piloting technologies, companies can get one step closer to bringing their technologies to market, which will support the adoption and integration of their innovations into the broader supply chain,” the website said.
Second-year performance production student at Toronto Metropolitan University Nathan Burg is no stranger to dealing with city congestion.
“Typically driving to the city is so frustrating and time consuming that taking public transit is just a better option,” he said.
Living both in Richmond Hill and the city’s core, Burg spends a lot of his time stuck in Toronto congestion.
When asked about road safety, Burg said it is a “big concern” for him and his peers.
“I find drivers will get frustrated with the traffic and then become more reckless and avoid following the traffic rules,” he said.
Raed Kadri, the head of OVIN, shared the city is well-positioned to introduce these mobility-based transportation technologies .
“The OVIN Technology Pilot Zone for urban mobility cultivates the unparalleled potential of made-in-Ontario innovation to address mobility challenges, while accelerating their commercialization and growth,” Kadri said.
Mayor Olivia Chow also shared her positive thoughts on the new endeavour.
“As a vibrant, dynamic and growing city, it’s important to explore new ways to better manage all forms of traffic so we can keep Toronto moving,” she said. “We are proud to partner with OVIN to leverage the potential of innovative traffic technology that can help ensure all road users have a smoother, faster and safer journey on our streets.”
The city shared that following the completion of the pilot program, Toronto “may procure the technologies that successfully demonstrate the ability to alleviate congestion, improve road safety, enhance transit priority and make transportation more efficient.”
