(A similar transit camp took place at the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto on February 4, 2007 and on April 4, 2008 at the MaRS Centre in Toronto. Transit Toronto reported on the February, 2007 event here. The Toronto Star reported on the April, 2008 event here.)

Metronauts is a project that aims to engage citizens to imagine the future and offer solutions for the region’s transportation plan.

The new initiative is made up of two parts: an online community and a series of community events taking place across the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton between April and September.

Transit Camp began as a grass-roots event in Toronto in 2007, without official support or sponsorship, and has since spread to other cities. The initial event was so successful that Metrolinx decided to sponsor this series of events and online activities by the Transit Camp community.

An “unconference” is an intense interactive event where every participant will have the opportunity to suggest topics of discussion and share their knowledge, ideas and experiences with the group. However, according to the Metronauts / Metrolinx media release, it is not a venue for venting frustrations, “not a complaints department…” but “…a solutions playground.”

The event aims to attract transit riders, drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and anyone else concerned with how they get around the city.

Participation is free, but participants must register in advance for the event by visiting the Metronauts.ca website. The website also provides event participants and interested citizens with an avenue for discussion about the Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan and facilitates individual and group projects for those looking to get more involved.