Future of public transit up for discussion in Mississauga

Buses that will better connect with Toronto Pearson Airport and a major LRT line being built along Hurontario Street are key parts of a public transit plan that seeks to keep people moving in Canada’s seventh-largest city over the next decade and beyond, Mississauga officials say.

The MiWay Five Plus Master Plan (2026-2035) is being developed “to understand the growing demand for transit service in Mississauga, which will support future growth, improve connectivity and help deliver a faster and more efficient service,” City of Mississauga officials said this week.

“This plan will guide the future transit network, including new express routes and important connections to light-rail service and other local routes.”

MiWay, Mississauga’s public transit provider, said its master plan includes objectives for both the short term (the next five years) and medium term (10 years down the road) as it seeks to “integrate significant infrastructure developments” that will impact transit operations and service delivery.

“The goal is to grow the system and improve connectivity to deliver a fast, efficient, attractive and easy‑to‑use transit service,” transit officials say in their master plan.

As part of the plan, they added, MiWay has tabled a proposed 2030 transit network, following “extensive analysis and input from the community,” that includes the following potential updates:

• Expansion of express route network with more express service throughout the week.
• New connections to future higher-order transit projects such as the Hazel McCallion Line LRT on Hurontario Street.
• Enhanced and expanded connections to major transit hubs.
• Improved service frequencies across the network throughout the week.

Beyond those goals, MiWay also plans various other improvements that include:

• Improving service to major employment areas and key destinations by responding to areas of ridership growth.
• Enhancing interregional connections and integrate with neighbouring service providers like Brampton Transit, Toronto Transit Commission, Oakville Transit and Metrolinx/GO Transit.
• Connecting to higher-order transit services such as subway and GO train/bus service.
• Integrating and improving connections at major mobility hubs like the future Toronto Pearson Airport Regional Transit Centre in Mississauga.

Mississauga residents can gather more information and provide feedback at five public information sessions being held later this month.

MiWay staff will host the drop-in sessions at the following locations:

• City Centre Transit Terminal: Sept. 22, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• University of Toronto Mississauga: Sept. 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Meadowvale Community Centre: Sept. 24, from 3 to 6 p.m.
• South Common Community Centre: Sept. 25, from 3 to 6 p.m.
• Kipling Station: Sept. 26, from 3 to 6 p.m.

For those who are unable to attend an in-person information session, feedback can be provided online via the MiVoice engagement platform, the city says.

(Cover photo: City of Mississauga/MiWay)