Sharing Knowledge and Expertise at the Toronto Urban Rail Seminar
On Oct. 16, the Consulate General of Japan hosted the Toronto Urban Rail Seminar: “Moving a Megacity: Innovations of the Tokyo Public Transit System”, with the Japan Foundation, Toronto and the Toronto office of the Japan External Trade Organization as co-hosts. The seminar focused on overviews on the transit systems in Toronto and Tokyo, outline of plans in each city, financing mechanisms, advanced technology in public transit, as well as innovations in operation and management. Presentations were given by representatives of Tokyo Metro, the Japan International Transport Institute, Metrolinx, Go Transit, Infrastructure Ontario, Obayashi Canada and Kenaidan Contracting. About 120 people were in attendance, consisting of public and private stakeholders in the field of public transit in both countries, academics and other experts.
Consul General of Japan Eiji Yamamoto gives opening remarks.
Mr. Bruce McCuaig, CEO of Metrolinx
Mr. Toshifumi Ishiya, Director or the International Railway Policy Promotion Team,
Japan International Transport Institute
Mr. Martin Lavoie, Vice-President for Transaction Finance, Infrastructure Ontario
Mr. Naoto Kimura, Director of International Affairs, Tokyo Metro
Mr. Kimura, along with Mr. David Kirkland, Executive Vice-President and COO of Kenaidan Contracting,
and Mr. Jumpei Yamashita, an engineer with Obayashi Canada, take questions from the audience.
The audience listens with rapt attention.
Mary Proc, Vice President for Customer Care, GO Transit
Booths display information on transportation and travel in Japan.
Consul General Yamamoto with Toronto City Councillor and TTC Chair, Ms. Karen Stintz
at a reception following the seminar.
Mr. Greg Tokarz. Manager of theTransit Infrastructure Policy Office,
Ontario Ministry of Transportation, moderated the morning sessions.
Mr. John Northcott, CBC Anchor and Video Journalist, moderated the afternoon sessions.
