The average commute time in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area will jump by a third in 20 years without a major injection into transit, according to expert calculations.

And the traffic congestion is only going to get worse unless cities answer to the increased demand.

“If we don’t mend our ways, the only thing that will answer congestion is when the jobs disappear because people can’t get to work,” said Professor Eric Miller (CivE), Director of Cities Centre at U of T.

Professor Miller said that cities like Hamilton may not have a congestion issue now, but as an economic and transportation hub, waiting until it comes is too late. Doing nothing, including not building light rail, will come at a heavy price for city growth.

“The first step is the toughest one. There is a leap of faith in the first step, but it has to happen,” he said.

To read the full story, visit the Hamilton Spectator.