HDR’s Tyrone Gan Honoured With CUTA Lifetime Achievement Award

After more than 40 years of work dedicated to transportation planning in Canada, Tyrone Gan, P.Eng., has been recognized with the William G. Ross Lifetime Achievement Award by the Canadian Urban Transit Association. 

Named after CUTA’s first president, the award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the public transit industry in Canada for at least 25 years. As an award recipient, Gan has also been inducted into CUTA’s Hall of Fame, joining a select group of transit advocates who have played an outsize role in the continued advancement of public transport in Canada. 

“It has been amazing to watch our industry grow and change over the decades as transit systems have expanded and improved,” Gan said. “I am honoured to receive this recognition, and I look forward to watching my friends and colleagues continue to advance the safety, accessibility and reliability of public transit in Canada and beyond.”

Gan spent many years as manager of HDR’s transportation practice in Canada and continues to serve as a principal consultant on some of the nation’s largest transit programs. He has been a trusted adviser to many clients in Canada who have relied on his guidance on high-profile projects, including the Ontario Line, Eglinton East LRT and master plans for multiple cities and regions. 

For more than 20 years, Gan has sponsored the University of Toronto’s Transportation Research Institute to support transportation research into developing bold and practical solutions for cities in Canada and around the world. He regularly presents lectures and actively participates in discussions with new transportation undergraduates, masters and Ph.D. students on transit planning and development. In addition, he regularly mentors staff who work with him and through industry organizations in which he is involved. 

“Tyrone’s impact on public transit has been significant, but what’s particularly impressive is his ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of transit leaders,” said HDR Transportation President Tom McLaughlin. “He has generously shared his knowledge, leadership and experience with scores of professionals poised to continue his tradition of integrity, excellence and fairness. That’s a legacy to be very proud of.”

The award was presented Nov. 20 during the 2024 CUTA Annual Conference held in Toronto.