2003-03-17

Re: "GTA transit plans"

It was good to see the Star devote an entire page to the GTA transit issue. While the ideas and opinions were certainly interesting, I feel that there are some issues that were not properly addressed.

I believe it is generally accepted that any transit plan has to be based on a viable public transit system. Yet, while people continue to debate toll roads, I have yet to hear those same people addressing the issue of public transit tolls.

Nor have I heard substantial debate on how to improve the local transit services. Yes, there is no question we need rail transit if we are going to move large numbers of people in and out of Toronto's downtown. However, what of the people who work elsewhere?

GO Transit works because it is fast and comfortable. The coaches and rail cars are air-conditioned and there are many seats. You can talk with your friends, read the paper or get some work done while travelling to and from work. In addition, you often get there faster than if you took a car.

TTC buses and subways are the opposite. You are crammed like sardines into vehicles where standing room is the rule. The buses stop frequently so the driver can let more people on, followed by the request "please move to the back of the bus". A fifteen or twenty minute car ride can turn into an hour and a half bus trip and that is without considering what happens if you have to change buses. Here in the East End of Scarborough you also face the problem of buses being short turned. Schedules end up being little more than wishful thinking.

Clearly local transit needs an infusion of money. That money should come from the gas tax. The NDP, in their "publicpower: Practical Solutions for Ontario" book, pledge to devote 3 cents of the 14.7 cent per litre gas tax to improving public transit. That is one big reason why I'm running for them in the upcoming Provincial election.

Gary Dale, Provincial NDP Candidate
Scarborough East