Metrolinx is transforming transportation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area through its regional transportation plan called The Big Move. The plan involves over $16 billion in initial investments and the next wave of priority projects will involve over $34 billion. Leslie Woo discussed the need to diversify thought and change conversations in the transportation industry to better serve the region's population, which is over 50% women and 52% visible minorities. She highlighted the Women in Management Network at Metrolinx, which aims to support women's advancement in the industry through networking, career development, and community outreach.

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Women and Transportation Planning
Understanding Gender issues
March 7th, 2014
Leslie Woo, Vice President
Policy, Planning & Innovation

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Outline
1. Transforming an Industry – from Plan to Reality
 Metrolinx
 The Big Move – Transforming a Region
 Delivering the first $16B
2. Diversity of Thought
3. Changing the Conversation

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FACT
WOMEN are:
• 50.4% of Canada's total population.
• 52.1% of Canada's visible minority population.
• Head of 82.5% of lone-parent families

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FACT
Women in Canadian Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

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FACT

7. Vision:
Working together to transform the way
the region moves.
Mission:
To champion and deliver mobility
solutions for the Greater Toronto and
Hamilton Area.

8. $6 billiontravel costs + lost productivity
These costs will double in the next 30 years if we don’t
improve our transportation.
The Cost: Economy
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An integrated
transportation
system for our region
that enhances
prosperity,
sustainability and
quality of life.

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The Long-Term Vision

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Union Station
Revitalization
Georgetown
South Project
Toronto Transit Projects
Eglinton Crosstown
Sheppard East
Finch West
UP Express
Big Move Projects Underway
Bus Rapid Transit
York Viva BRT
Mississauga BRT

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Next Wave of Priority Projects ($34 B)
over 500km
in new rapid transit projects and GO Rail
improvements including:
• Subway, bus rapid transit, and light rail transit
projects
• Expanded GO service on all 7 lines,
including express rail and 2-way, all-day
• Electrification on 3 lines
25% of Funds
will go towards:
• Local Transit improvements
• Roads and highways
• Active transportation and integration

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Economic Opportunities:
Companies want to develop close to transit
“There is significant evidence to show that the
improved connectivity supplied by new transit services
generates increased land & development value. This
is well recognized by the development industry.”
– George Hazel, September 2013 Capstan Station, Vancouver
Hudson Yards, New York
Canary Wharf, London
• Improved access to transit systems is a critical determinant of
property values
• Transportation authorities in other regions have
partnered with private developers to advance
their landholdings, generating $15 million – $20
million on an annual basis for that region.

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Toronto Railway Club established 1931

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GO Transit established 1967

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Women at Metrolinx
Employment Categories -
September 2010 vs 2011
261
31
213
36
268
37
280
41
Frontline Management Office Supervisory
2010 2011
Year
Female
Population
Female
Percentage in
Management
2010 541 5.73%
2011 626 5.91%
Year
Total
Population
2010 1946
2011 2191
Employment Categories

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Women at Metrolinx
Age Groups -
September 2010 vs 2011
56
115
194
140
36
76
147
196
164
43
<30 30-<40 40-<50 50-<60 60+
2010 2011
Demographics

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Women at Metrolinx
Years of Service at
September 2011
76
234
89
103
15
68
21 20
<1 1-<5 5-<9 10-<15 15-<20 20-<25 20-<30 30+
Years of Service
Years of Service

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Successful Networks
 give their members what they want
 tie to the organization’s strategy and business
 secure senior management support
 clearly define structure, including roles and
responsibilities
 don’t over extend themselves
 evaluate their impact
March 7, 201425

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Metrolinx Women in Management Network
(WiMeN)
The purpose of the ‘Women of Metrolinx’ network is to support
and position Metrolinx as the pre-eminent voice and authority
in the advancement and transformation of regional transit and
transportation through the following objectives –
 strengthening Metrolinx profile through the influence and connections of the
women in the organization
 improve corporate diversity by attracting, developing and retaining women
 increase the visibility of women leaders in the transportation industry
 showcase the talent in the organization
 support community organizations that support women
 cultivate leadership competencies that reflect Metrolinx focus on growth and
success

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Types of activities…
Network & support
• Brown bag lunches
• Book club on current
topics
• Directory of
members career
path, interests
• Present awards to
managers who are
good mentors or
champions
Career development
• Seminars/workshop
or brown bag
lunches on career
development
• Annual network
conference with a
focus on career
development
• Leadership forums
highlighting career
paths of senior
individuals
• Mentoring programs
• Organize seminars
on hot topics (i.e.,
non-diversity
related)
Advise management, HR
• Help communicate
company programs,
resources (e.g. work life
balance)
• Create a resource library
for network members
• Review relevant policies
and provide advice
• Participate in recruiting
events
• Meet regularly with
management, HR to
advise them of your
successes, challenges,
observations
Community outreach
• Develop a network of
other similar
networks in your
region
• Partner with local
community to
support related
organizations
• Partner with local
schools to support
and mentor students
• Offer scholarships
• Develop internship
programs

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Speaker Series

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WHAT GOT YOU HERE, WON’T GET YOU THERE!

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leslie.woo@metrolinx.com
leslie@shebuildscities.com