Highway 407 ETR drives over $1.2B in socioeconomic benefits and $490M in economic growth, new report reveals
Report underscores the highway's role in driving economic development and improving quality of life in Ontario
TORONTO, Oct. 27, 2025 /CNW/ - As a majority Canadian-owned company, Highway 407 ETR is more than a toll road -- it's a vital economic corridor for Ontario. A new report by global infrastructure consultancy Steer finds that Highway 407 ETR delivers up to $1.2 billion in annual socioeconomic benefits, including time savings, enhanced safety and greater productivity.
The report quantifies the time savings as $990 million in value for the region. For a five-day-a-week commuter, a round trip on Highway 407 ETR can save up to two hours which adds up to as much as 480 hours annually. That's the equivalent of 20 days' worth of time.
"Transportation infrastructure is often justified by its promise to drive economic growth and improve quality of life -- but too rarely do we measure whether those benefits are truly realized," says Patrick Miller, Vice President, Steer. "Our independent analysis identified nearly $2 in economic value across the Greater Toronto Area's economy for every $1 spent on Highway 407 ETR. The report highlights a clear ongoing benefit to commuters, businesses and communities in the region."
The report, commissioned by 407 ETR, also highlights the highway's $490 million annual economic output, driven by spending on operations, maintenance and infrastructure. This supports 1,800 jobs and generates $140 million in wages across Ontario and Canada.
"We've always known Highway 407 ETR makes life easier for drivers -- but this report shows just how far that impact goes," says Jose Espinosa, President & CEO, 407 ETR. "As a majority Canadian-owned company, we're proud to support 1,800 jobs in Canada -- including our workforce of 550 employees right here in the GTA. 407 ETR contributes nearly half a billion dollars in economic output each year."
Fast facts about the report
The following 407 ETR findings are based on 2024 data, as analyzed by Steer. They reflect Highway 407 ETR's measurable contributions to Ontario's economy, workforce and quality of life -- with impacts felt across the GTA and beyond.
Driving economic growth
- Delivers $1.2 billion in annual socioeconomic benefits to drivers, passengers and the entire GTA including faster travel times, reduced fuel consumption, improved mobility across the region, reduced collisions and more
- Generates $490 million contribution to Canadian Gross Domestic Product from the highway's annual investment of $250 million in operations, maintenance and upgrades
- Delivers $1.93 in economic value across the GTA for every $1 invested in and spent on Highway 407 ETR
Locally invested, Canadian jobs
- Supports 1,800 full-time equivalent jobs across Canada, including 550 direct employees in Ontario -- including 407 ETR's award-winning, locally based contact centre
- Paid $140 million in wages to Ontario workers
- Nearly 50 per cent of jobs supported were in the construction sector
Time saved = value delivered
- $990 million in travel time savings and reliability -- equivalent to thousands of dollars in value per commuter
- Drivers and passengers (users) saved 43 million hours a year by using Highway 407 ETR. This equals seven million minutes every day and an average of 25 minutes each trip
- A user making six trips a month saves at least 30 hours a year
- A user making four trips a week saves at least 87 hours a year
- A five-day-a-week commuter making a round trip on Highway 407 ETR saves up to two hours a day or as much as 480 hours a year1
A smarter, safer way to travel
- Highway 407 ETR has a 60 per cent lower collision rate than other 400-series highways
- This means up to 110 fewer serious collisions annually compared to other Ontario highways, reducing injuries, emergency response costs and delays
- $70 million in safety benefits from fewer collisions resulting in death and serious injury
Connecting communities across the GTA
- 20 per cent more people can reach destinations like Downtown Markham, Mississauga City Centre or Toronto Pearson Airport within a 60-minute drive, expanding access to jobs, housing and services
- $130 million in productivity benefits supporting economic growth and competitiveness -- by making travel between jobs and businesses faster and more reliable, and allowing businesses to recruit from a wider talent pool
As part of its broader impact, 407 ETR is continuing to ensure more Ontarians can benefit from faster, safer travel. Through targeted financial assistance programs and promotions, the Company is helping drivers experience the benefits of a faster, safer route -- while easing congestion across the region.
To explore the full findings and download the report, visit 407etr.com/drivingontarioforward.
1 Derived from 2025 data
About 407 ETR
Highway 407 ETR is an all-electronic open-access toll highway located in the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada. The highway spans 108 kilometres from Burlington in the west to Pickering in the east.
407 International Inc. is the sole shareholder of 407 ETR and is owned by:
- Cintra Global S.E., a subsidiary of Ferrovial S.A. (48.29%);
- Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) and other institutional investors (44.20%); and
- Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) (7.51%).
About Steer
Steer is a global consultancy specializing in the critical services and infrastructure that make our world work.
In North America, we partner with public, private, and nonprofit clients to shape the future of transportation, resources, places, and communities. Guided by our vision of a world where these systems work better for everyone, we combine global intelligence with local partnership to deliver practical, impactful solutions that help people, places, and economies thrive.
SOURCE 407 ETR Concession Company Limited
For media inquiries: [email protected], 416-706-1861, 407etr.com/newsroom
Share this article