A hearty thanks to everyone who joined us at the Transport Futures “Goods Movement & Mobility Pricing Forum” on May 31! The learning event marked the first time that key Canadian freight representatives participated in an in-depth dialogue about road pricing, parking fees and fuel taxes.  This missing piece of the mobility pricing discussion was skilfully supported by our international and national experts who provided cutting-edge research and perspectives on economic competitiveness, infrastructure and sustainability.

Lisa Salsberg, Metrolinx
Andreas Kossak, Kossak Consulting
José Holguín-Veras, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Dr. Ian Parry, International Monetary Fund
Robin Lindsey, University of British Columbia
Hon. David Turnbull, Canadian Courier and Logistics Association
Stephen Laskowski, Ontario Trucking Association
Wayne Scott, Toronto Hoof and Cycle Courier Coalition
Murray McLeod, Transportation Performance Solutions

Delegates told us that the seventh Transport Futures event surpassed their expectations and over 80% said that it was very good or excellent value for the registration fee – or should we say toll!  Here are a few of their comments:

  • “Brilliant speakers!”
  • “Very relevant information and a very important topic which is not spoken about enough.”
  • “Good introductory material and some provocative content.”
  • “I’m always looking to find out what the trucking industry is looking for. What is their solution to infrastructure costs and what kind of investments can be made to make their industry more efficient?”
  • “Wanted to hear the range of issues related to freight — certainly did!”
  • “I learned a lot and was impressed that such wide ranging views were organized for the panel.”
  • “Very well done and interesting food for thought. I learned a lot, and have thought about the issues since, which can’t be said for all conferences.”

Transport Futures’ speaker and friend Wayne Scott died on January 27, 2021. Having been a bike, foot and transit courier for most of his working life, Wayne had a progressive and equity-based perspective on walking, cycling and goods movement. Noticing that food and beverage consumption was his fuel for being able to deliver goods 8 hours a day, he fought Revenue Canada for 16 years to ultimately obtain food as a tax credit for couriers – in the same way that motorized couriers receive a tax credit for gasoline and diesel. As co-founder of the HOOF&CYCLE Courier Coalition, a City Cycling Ambassador and an original Toronto Pedestrian Advisory Committee member, Wayne did his best to shift city transportation policy through advocacy and hundreds of deputations to council. We are very sad that he is no longer with us to provide leadership and vision but his legacy will live on. Rest in peace, Wayne.

Wayne Scott

The Goods Movement and Mobility Pricing Forum was generously sponsored by the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (Platinum), 407 ETR (Gold), the Ontario Good Roads Association (Bronze) and our Supporters: the Conservation Council of Ontario, Institute of Transportation Engineers  and e-RegisterNow.