Ontario carriers bracing for service disruptions during Pan Am Games

by Truck News

TORONTO, Ont. — Ontario carriers are concerned about traffic congestion that could occur when Toronto hosts the Pan Am Games this summer.

An Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) survey indicated many carriers feel their normal service levels will be in for “heavy disruptions” once the games arrive. Traffic in downtown Toronto is expected to increase and lanes on Hwy. 401 and other busy routes have been designated HOV-only for the duration of the Games.

More than 85% of responding carriers said they’re anticipating lengthy delays during the Games in servicing their customers. Only 47% said they’d developed an alternative strategy in anticipation of the Pan Am Games.

Of the 53% of carriers that have yet to develop a contingency plan, most cited “lack of customer engagement” as a reason.

Some carriers, the survey found, have warned customers that there could be disruptions to their normal service levels. A third of carriers are implementing, or considering implementing a surcharge to address anticipated increases in congestion.

OTA says it will release a final report in two weeks. For now, it’s inviting more carriers to take part. You can complete the survey here.


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  • This is where dispatchers have to get together and find solutions to this problem. The other thing carriers need to do is pass delay charges onto customers. Carriers shouldn’t have to lose money because of it.

  • Absolutely disgusting planning by the city, spreading the venues out everywhere , then take away a lane from many already far too heavily burdened routes , and add an insult to simply place electronic messages on 401 signs that read ” avoid rush hour driving ” during the games ?? Seriously ?? That’s their plan ? Toss the onus on everyone else to figure out this mess that will cost the city more in loss then what it will bring in. I wonder how many commuters can just not go to work anymore for a month while this circus takes over, or change their hours to ” avoid rush hour ” Last i checked rush hour along the 401 in the GTA is all day

    Brace for disruptions ??, I think a better headline would be, ” brace for road rage , accidents , major lack of productivity and severe frustration”. The city actually has planned and current road construction on alternate routes making them a no option, option. Way to go T.O. , I would expect nothing better .

  • should have arranged to let trucks use 407 free to cross the city for this time or at least got the cost cut to make it affordable to use during the games