Ministry of Transportation
Business Plan 2002-2003
Contents |
Adobe Acrobat PDF version available (372 K) |
- Message from the Minister
- Ministry Vision
- Core Businesses
- Anual Report on Key Achievements for 2001-2002
- Key Commitments and Strategies for 2002-2003
- Key Performance Measures
- 2001-2002 Ministry Spending by Core Business - Interim Actuals*
- 2002-2003 Ministry Approved Allocations by Core Business*
- Who to Call
Message from the Minister
At the Ministry of Transportation, we believe that a safe, efficient and seamlessly-integrated transportation system is a key component to economic prosperity and growth. Ontario now has 8.1 million drivers and 9.3 million registered vehicles. Thousands of businesses rely on the province's roads and highways to move the more than $1.2 trillion worth of goods to domestic and international markets annually. This figure is expected to double over the next 30 years. At the same time, millions of people rely on Ontario's transit systems, including GO Transit, to get to their destination safely and on time.
It's a considerable challenge to keep people and goods moving safely and efficiently. Our government is up to this challenge. Over the past seven years, the Ontario government has invested record amounts in the province's transportation infrastructure. As well, the Ministry of Transportation has actively promoted safe driving. These actions are paying off for the people of Ontario. The latest statistics show that Ontario has the safest roads in Canada and the second safest in North America. While the ministry is proud of this accomplishment, we will continue to look for ways to make the province's roads even safer.
Our government will continue to promote Ontario's high quality of life by investing in the province's transportation infrastructure. Through SuperBuild, the government will invest $10 billion over 10 years for highways and $3.25 billion for transit. To deal with the province's expanding population, the government plans to renew Ontario's municipal and regional transit infrastructure. This includes taking back responsibility for GO Transit, the most important inter-regional transit system in Canada. With this plan, the ministry is helping the government meet its Smart Growth goals of sustaining a strong economy, building strong communities and promoting a clean and healthy environment.
But the Ministry of Transportation couldn't do any of this without the support of the people of this province. I'm pleased to present the MTO 2002/2003 Business Plan, which outlines the scope of our activities and directions in the coming months. It demonstrates the ministry's commitment to be responsible and responsive to the needs of the people of Ontario.
Minister of Transportation,
Norm Sterling
Ministry Vision
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is committed to building a strong economy, strong communities and a clean and healthy environment with a safe, efficient and integrated transportation system. As Ontario's economy and population grow, transportation will play an even greater role so that our businesses continue to prosper and the province's quality of life can be maintained.
The ministry is pursuing its vision by:
-
investing $3.25 billion over 10 years to renew, expand and integrate Ontario's municipal and inter-regional transit infrastructure, including GO Transit, and seeking matching municipal and federal contributions;
-
accelerating transportation studies to identify the best corridors for future highways and transit using Smart Growth principles;
-
responsibly managing the building, rehabilitation and maintenance of the $27 billion replacement value of the provincial highway network. This includes the development of engineering standards, policies and guidelines for the design, construction, operation and rehabilitation of Ontario's highways, including, as stated in the 2002 Budget Speech, investing $10 billion for highways over 10 years;
-
implementing public education, legislation and enforcement initiatives;
-
working with SuperBuild and public-private partners to develop initiatives that will meet Ontario's transportation needs;
-
working with our partners in the Canadian government and the United States to promote secure border crossings and the free flow of people, goods and services;
-
improving customer service to the public by providing convenient and reliable electronic service delivery systems and also by monitoring the private sector providers of ministry services; and
-
incorporating user-friendly information and communications technologies for safer and more efficient travel.
Core Businesses
Building An Integrated Transportation System Through Transportation Policy And Planning
The Ministry of Transportation is building a safe, efficient and reliable transportation system to enhance Ontario's economic competitiveness and quality of life. To do this, the ministry plans and promotes policies through SuperBuild to support government initiatives such as Smart Growth and transit.
The ministry is working to create a balanced and seamlessly-integrated transportation system to tackle gridlock and meet the province's future needs.
As part of this planning, the ministry is exploring financing opportunities to build new infrastructure.
Continuing MTO's Road User Safety Success
Although Ontario has the safest roads in Canada and the second safest in North America, the ministry continues to face road safety challenges due to the growing number of drivers and vehicles on the road.
The ministry is improving road safety and mobility by promoting and regulating responsible driving behaviour, while at the same time promoting effective and customer-friendly services.
MTO's key safety responsibilities are:
- to set safety standards;
- to inspect, monitor and enforce compliance with those standards;
- to develop and evaluate policies, programs and regulations for road users, carriers and vehicles;
- to license drivers, register vehicles and register commercial carriers; and
- to work with a broad range of partners to educate road users about safe driving behaviours and road user safety policies, laws and programs.
Each year, the ministry's driver, vehicle and carrier functions, along with government-wide programs such as Drive Clean and Integrated Justice generate more than 20 million business transactions.
Consulting with clients and stakeholders is an ongoing priority for the ministry. This includes helping them deliver effective and efficient programs and services. The ministry also assists other ministries with core programs such as Drive Clean.
Managing Provincial Highways A Top Priority
The ministry oversees the maintenance and operation of 16,500 kilometres of highways; 2,500 bridges/structures; 29 remote airports and eight ferry services. Ontario's highway system has a replacement value of about $27 billion. MTO is also responsible for developing highway engineering, construction and maintenance policies, standards and infrastructure management systems. As part of maintaining safe roads all year round, MTO continues to use the latest technology, such as the Advanced Road Weather Information System that predicts and detects potential snow and ice hazards.
Honouring MTO's Statement of Environmental Values
Within the ministry's core businesses, MTO supports its Statement of Environmental Values commitments, along with other economic, social and scientific considerations.
Overall Summary of Operating and Capital
Annual Report on Key Achievements for 2001-2002
Commitment To Improving Transit
Last September, the government announced a major plan to invest $3.25 billion over 10 years for transit. The transit plan comprises:
- taking back responsibility for GO Transit;
- transit fleet replacement; and
- working with key stakeholders on expansion of transit networks.
 |
| In 2002, the Ontario government took back responsibility for GO Transit, Canada's most important inter-regional transit system |
Unprecedented Investment In Ontario's Highway Network
Last year, the ministry continued to build a transportation system that meets the needs of the people of Ontario by announcing a 10-year, $10 billion investment for highways. To reduce congestion and improve safety, the government invested more than $1billion to expand and rehabilitate Ontario's highway network. The government has invested more than $6.5 billion in Ontario highways since 1995. Several key highway projects have been completed, including:
- the widening of sections of Highway 401 in southwest and eastern Ontario;
- the widening of portions of the QEW through Oakville;
- the widening of parts of Highways 11 and 69 in the north;
- the addition of lanes to Highway 401 through Toronto; and
- the extension of Highway 404 in York Region.
Planning For The Future
The ministry completed several major highway studies to address the future needs of the province. Completed projects include the Georgian Triangle Area Transportation Study, the Highway 427 and Niagara needs assessments and the Simcoe Area studies.
Ontario Has The Safest Roads In Canada And The Second Safest In North America
In 2002, the ministry released the Ontario Road Safety Annual Report 2000. It showed that for each of the last 5 years the province's fatality rate* has declined. Last year, as part of our efforts to become number one in North America in road safety, the ministry proclaimed the legislation for the implementation of the ignition interlock program. An ignition interlock device is an in-car alcohol breath screening device that prevents a vehicle from starting if it detects a blood alcohol concentration over a pre-set limit.
* Based on number of fatalities per 10,000 licensed drivers.
Fatality Rates in Ontario, 1989 to 2000 - Traffic Fatalities per 10,000 Drivers
Key Commitments and Strategies for 2002-2003
To continue to strengthen the quality of life in Ontario, the Ministry of Transportation has four priorities for the coming year:
- Support the government's Smart Growth principles.
- Serve the government's customers better by making government more efficient.
- Strengthen the province's economic prosperity.
- Build on the province's road safety success.
Supporting The Government's Smart Growth Principles
In support of the government's Smart Growth principles, the ministry will continue to plan strategically and invest in infrastructure to develop a seamlessly-integrated transportation system that meets the province's future needs. Working with SuperBuild, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and other public and private partners, MTO will:
- address gridlock, increasing growth and population pressures
through a 10-year, $10 billion highway capital investment; and
- support the expansion and renewal of Ontario's municipal and inter-regional transit infrastructure, including GO Transit, through a 10-year, more than $9 billion transit investment. Under this initiative, the province will invest $3.25 billion and work closely with the federal and municipal governments to encourage them to become equal funding partners in this vision.
Serving The Government's Customers Better By Making Government More Efficient
As part of the government-wide Electronic Service Delivery initiative, MTO will invest in modern information systems and improve the ministry's business processes. The use of modern, enabling technologies will improve customer service by allowing the people of Ontario better access to the programs and services that they need. For instance, through the Road User Safety Systems Renewal project, MTO is updating its driver, vehicle and carrier information systems.
To make government more efficient, the ministry plans to develop innovative approaches to service delivery, while managing the ministry's transition from a service provider to a service manager.
The ministry will continue to study and implement innovative means to deliver cost-effective quality service, without jeopardizing the level of service or public safety. The goal is to maintain the customer satisfaction level at 86 per cent.
Strengthening The Province's Economic Prosperity
The ministry is committed to modernizing rules and regulations to create an efficient regulatory framework to support economic growth and investment in Ontario. More efficient economic regulations will make trade easier and Ontario more competitive.
Building On The Province's Road Safety Successes
Ontario's roads are the safest in Canada and the second safest in North America. This achievement, however, will not slow down the ministry's efforts to continue improving road safety in the province. Specifically, the ministry plans to:
-
continue to work to reduce the fatality rate per 10,000 licensed drivers; and
-
sustain the proportion of mechanically fit vehicles identified in three-day Roadcheck survey inspections to a five-year average compliance rate of 78 per cent.
Key Performance Measures
1. Core Business: Road User Safety - Safer Ontario road users and drivers
Number of fatalities per 10,000 licensed drivers
Fatality Rate: Number of Fatalities per 10,000 Licensed Drivers
Source of Data: Road Safety Annual Report
What does the graph show?
The graph shows a consistent positive downward trend of fatality rates in motor vehicle collisions.
This longer-term trend is partly attributable to reductions in drinking and driving, improved novice driver safety associated with the Graduated Licensing System and improved seat belt use. Although the fatality rate is expected to continue to decline, external factors such as weather, vehicle design, economy, enforcement, etc., may influence the outcome.
Ministry Contribution
Reducing fatalities on Ontario highways is a shared responsibility for which Ontario does not have complete control. However, in 2000-2001, the ministry worked with the police community, road safety partners and community groups to contribute to reducing fatalities per 10,000 licensed drivers in the following areas:
- public education to address aggressive driving and unsafe driving behaviour;
- safety inspections and audits that contributed to safer commercial vehicles and carriers;
- delivery of efficient testing/licensing and registration systems.
The ministry uses this measure to benchmark with other jurisdictions in North America and around the world.
2002-2003 Commitments
Continue to work to reduce the fatality rate of 1.05 per 10,000 licensed drivers.
Long-term Target
Continue to work to reduce the fatality rate of 1.05 per 10,000 licensed drivers.
2. Core Business: Road User Safety - Safe commercial vehicles and carriers
Per cent of commercial vehicles identified as mechanically fit in annual randomly conducted three-day survey
Mechanical Fitness Rate
Source of Data: MTO Roadcheck Statistics
What does the graph show?
This measure provides a snapshot of the mechanical safety of commercial motor vehicles on Ontario highways.
During a Roadcheck truck safety blitz in June 2001, Ontario maintained a record high proportion of mechanically fit vehicles of 78 per cent, an increase from 75 per cent in 1999 and 71 per cent in 1998.
Although the compliance rate of commercial motor vehicles during the annual randomly conducted three-day survey has increased in the last several years, external factors such as vehicle design, road conditions, etc., may affect outcomes in the future.
Ministry Contribution
Increasing commercial vehicle safety is a shared responsibility with police services and the transportation industry. In 2000-2001, the ministry contributed to increasing the safety of commercial motor vehicles through:
- continued monitoring of commercial vehicle safety;
- commercial vehicle safety research;
- implementation of commercial vehicle safety initiatives; and
- continued partnerships with stakeholders.
Roadcheck 2001 resulted in a 78 per cent compliance rate in Ontario compared to an average rate of 79 per cent nationally.
2002-2003 Commitments
To sustain the proportion of mechanically fit vehicles identified in a three-day Roadcheck survey inspection at a five-year average compliance rate of 78 per cent.
3. Core Business: Road User Safety - Efficient customer service delivery for testing, licensing and registration activities
Per cent of customers satisfied with service
Customer Satisfaction Rate
Source of Data: MTO Customer Survey Statistics for Private Issuers Network and Driver Examination Centres
What does the graph show?
The graph shows the ministry has improved customer satisfaction with Driver Examination Centres and the Private Issuers Network from 76 per cent to 86 per cent. An 87 per cent customer satisfaction rate was achieved in 2001 based on Private Issuers results only.
Ministry Contribution
- MTO will continue to monitor customer satisfaction levels at Driver Examination Centres and throughout the Private Issuers Network and with services provided through electronic channels, including kiosks and the Internet.
- The ministry uses its customer satisfaction rating to benchmark with other public and private services.
- MTO is investing in modern technologies that will improve customer services allowing the people of Ontario to access electronically the programs and services they need.
2002-2003 Commitments
Continue to deliver excellent customer service by maintaining the customer satisfaction level in Driver Examination Centres and the Private Issuers Network at 86 per cent.
4. Core Business: Policy and Planning - Transportation system is reliable, efficient, accessible and integrated
Per cent of population living within 10 km of major provincial highway corridors
Highway Accessibility
Source: Ministry of Transportation Business Plans, 1997 to 2001
What does the graph show?
The graph indicates that population living within 10km of provincial highways increased over the four-year period reaching a level of 93 per cent in 2000. This increase can be attributed to a shift in population from rural to urban areas, where urban areas are connected to provincial highway corridors. These corridors are defined as highways within MTO's jurisdiction.
Ministry Contribution
- Invested more than $1 billion in Ontario highways last year and more than $6.5 billion since 1995.
- Completed major planning studies including Georgian Triangle Area Transportation Study, the Highway 427 and Niagara needs assessment and the Simcoe Area studies.
- Completed major construction projects including: the widening of sections of Highway 401 in Southwest and Eastern Ontario; the widening of portions of the QEW through Oakville; the widening of parts of Highways 11 and 69 in the north; adding lanes to Highway 401 through the GTA; and extending Highway 404 to Green Lane.
2002-2003 Commitments
To see that 93.7 per cent of population has access to major provincial highways corridors.
Long-term Target
To maintain access to the province's major highway corridors within the ministry's jurisdiction to 93.7 per cent of Ontario's population.
5. Core Business: Provincial Highways Management - Provincial highways are delivered cost efficiently
Per cent of highway capital spent on actual construction versus total highway capital program expenditures (Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Northern Development and Mines combined totals)
Per cent of total highway capital cost spent on actual construction
Source: MTO Public Accounts
What does the graph show?
The ministry has consistently met the target of spending 80 per cent of the total highway cost on actual construction. The 80 per cent figure is an optimal level. In the previous years 1995-1996 and 1996-1997 it was 76 per cent and 77 per cent respectively, increasing to 80 per cent in 1997-1998 and thereafter. The remaining 20 per cent is split between engineering (including planning and design) and management administration.
Ministry Contribution
- Ministry invested almost $1 billion in Ontario highways last year and more than $6.5 billion since 1995.
- MTO is preparing the necessary planning work for major projects in future years.
2002-2003 Commitments
* Due to unprecedented construction program and acceleration of planning studies to support Smart Growth, a higher proportion of highway capital spending was directed to engineering, design and long-range planning studies. This resulted in the proportion of actual capital spending on construction at 77.2 per cent versus the optimal level of 80 per cent.
Long-term Target
MTO is committed to maintaining a three-year average of close to 80 per cent.
2001-2002 Ministry Spending by Core Business Interim Actuals*
| Ministry of Transportation | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Note: Staff numbers are shown as full-time equivalents.
1 Total provincial investment in highways (Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Northern Development and Mines) is over $1 billion.
* PSAB based.
2002-2003 Ministry Approved Allocations by Core Business*
| Ministry of Transportation | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Note: Staff numbers are shown as full-time equivalents. Staff size does not reflect recruitment currently underway to fill vacancies.
1 Total provincial investment in highways (Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Northern Development and Mines) is over $1 billion.
* PSAB based.
Who to Call
Questions or comments about the ministry's business plan are welcomed.
Minister's Office
Bill Parish
Tel: (416)
327-1824
Fax: (416) 327-9188
E-mail:
Bill.Parish@mto.gov.on.ca
Transportation Policy and Planning
Strategic Policy Branch
Chris Giannekos
Tel: (416) 212-1893
Fax: (416) 212-1897
E-mail: Chris.Giannekos@mto.gov.on.ca
Provincial Highways Management
Program Management Branch
Mike Goodale
Tel: (905) 704-2601
Fax: (905) 704-2626
E-mail: Mike.Goodale@mto.gov.on.ca
Road User Safety
Business Services Branch
Blake
Forrest
Tel: (416) 235-3845
Fax: (416) 235-5362
E-mail:
Blake.Forrest@mto.gov.on.ca
Communications Branch
Editorial and Corporate Services
Byron Perry
Tel: (416) 327-7874
Fax: (416) 327-2300
E-mail: Byron.Perry@mto.gov.on.ca
Hardcopies of publications can be ordered through the following three channels:
Online at ServiceOntario Publications.
www.serviceontario.ca/publications
By phone through the ServiceOntario Contact Centre
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
416-326-5300
416-25-3408 (TTY)
1-800-668-9938 Toll-free across Canada
1-800-268-7095 TTY Toll-free across Ontario
For alternate formats of publications contact Alternate Format Coordinator at ServiceOntario Publications.
Tel: 416-314-3086 Fax: 416-326-4648.
© Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2002
ISBN 0-7794-3457-9
Ce document est disponible en
français
