Toronto is among the top cities in North America for traffic congestion and a traffic congestion chief is being looked at.
The City is moving ahead with plans to hire a Chief Congestion Officer to tackle traffic and other mobility challenges to keep Toronto moving.
Officials said the position is required as Toronto is the busiest city in North America due to increased development, infrastructure and public transit renewal activity.
A report by the Deputy Manager of Infrastructure Services, said the Congestion Officer will oversee a Strategic Capital Coordination Office.
The issue will be considered by an Infrastructure and Environment Committee on July 10.
A chief traffic congestion officer is expected to make traffic run on time.
City staff said the largest contributor to traffic congestion stems from construction activity and the person selected must be able to work with all City agencies.
“While the creation of this role will not eliminate congestion, the leadership it will provide will help to enhance how the City actively manages congestion against the ongoing pressures of growth and development,” according to the report.
The incoming congestion czar will provide advice and guidance to the City’s leadership team, the Mayor, City Council and relevant committees, enabling evidence-based decision making to reduce traffic congestion.
Video of Toronto’s congested streets have gone viral after a number of sports teams disembarking from their buses to walk to hockey arenas due to the traffic standstill.
Toronto has been deemed by studies to be among the worst cities in the world for travel congestion.