quote:

Originally posted by amb_ First off, let me apologise, as I've only read the first page of posts, along with the last two pages. This is a subject very near and dear to my heart but I'm really tired right now and need to get up at 6AM tomorrow morning. Sorry if I rehash anything that's been said... That aside, I've had some very well-rounded and extensive ideas over the past few years that I feel could really help the public transportation conundrum in our neck of the woods. Some of these thoughts I've had the opportunity to share with those in power through the (very few) avenues available to the general public (Transport 2000, MP/MPP contact, city council and TTC meetings), however, little of this has had much of an impact. I still have hope and still continue to keep in touch with a few people who make it their purpose to further these ends. To keep things brief, let's look at the obstacles standing in the way of a great transit system for the area. First, the facts: - Golden Horseshoe accounts for nearly 23% of Canada's population, by far the most densely populated region in Canada. - Most major Canadian manufacturing industry, along with the technology, service, and foodstuffs sectors call this area home. - Growth, both in population and in the economy, continue to move strongly, with a projected 1.39% growth in Ontarians(1) over the next decade, and the economies of Oshawa, Hamilton, and Kitchener leading the way in net growth(2) overall in Canada. - Bombardier Transportation, the foremost manufacturer of rail transportation vehicles, a Canadian company, has arguably the best public transit case knowledge, but is going through difficult times. Second, the major obstacles: - Fragmented bodies responsible for moving people across the area in question (regional municipalities, a transit commission, provincial and federal governments). - Overcrowded and undermaintained highways competing for monies often slated for transportation, meaning either roads *or* public transit. - Short-sighted politicians and policy-makers without the political will to make hard decisions that might hurt now but save us in the future. - Draconian legislation restricting inter-urban transit. Given the facts and obstacles I've outlined in brief, one of the potential solutions I've explored at length is the creation of a semi-autonomous body to oversee public transportation issues for the entire urbanised region, encompassed by the Golden Horseshoe. Similar in organisational structure to the National Capital Commission, this administrative body would have the support and participation of all levels of government presently responsible for transit decisions in their own realms, including regional governments, transit commissions, and the provincial and federal governments. A unified transit authority would have both a solid grasp on the details concerning each member, along with a clear view of the bigger picture. A big player on the transit scene, doors could more readily be opened in terms of international best practices exchanges, equipment purchasing power leverage, and end-to-end environment impact management. Admittedly, this is a seemingly far-fetched answer to the present transit woes, but it is (IMHO) a well thought out, long-term solution. Unfortunately I have to cut this short, and am unable to fully explore this idea at the moment. I'm sure you can connect the dots and point out the fallacies. I'm looking forward to the response, and would be happy to share my writing on the topic with those genuinely interested. I'm off to bed... G'night! - Chris (1) "Urban Futures Institute Report 39", ISBN 1-894486-01-3 (2) "Above Average Growth Expected in Ontario Cities", News release 03-25B - Conference Board of Canada

hey that's a great post!

and believe it or not, I do agree with Jay's idea of amalgamating GO/York region and all that transit into one entity.

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again, you all have great ideas here

i'm just curious and wanted to ask if anyone here has ever attended a public TTC town meeting for expansion proposals or has ever sent anything to the city council regarding these issues.

people often dismiss it with the assumption that their suggestions will go nowhere but i wanted to see how receptive (if at all) they really are..?

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quote:

Originally posted by dEsidEL i'm just curious and wanted to ask if anyone here has ever attended a public TTC town meeting for expansion proposals or has ever sent anything to the city council regarding these issues. people often dismiss it with the assumption that their suggestions will go nowhere but i wanted to see how receptive (if at all) they really are..?

Sounds like Chris has tried; I don't know about anyone else. I haven't personally tried, but I've read various statements from politicians in the papers and they all seem to indicate that the TTC isn't going to expand any time soon.

It's not even that the City of Toronto isn't receptive, it's just that they don't have the money! The majority of federal and provincial tax revenue *should* go to the Golden Horseshoe because that's where the most development is needed, but most of it actually goes to economic black holes like Newfoundland. And I do know for a fact that both the Toronto and Ontario governments have lobbied the Federal government several times (unsuccessfully) to get funds for roads/highways/public transportation.

That's exactly why I advocate more private sector involvement. With the TTC, it's more of a "can't" than a "won't". Blame the feds - the city has actually tried to do something about it.

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quote:

Originally posted by DigiNut It's not even that the City of Toronto isn't receptive, it's just that they don't have the money! The majority of federal and provincial tax revenue *should* go to the Golden Horseshoe because that's where the most development is needed, but most of it actually goes to economic black holes like Newfoundland. And I do know for a fact that both the Toronto and Ontario governments have lobbied the Federal government several times (unsuccessfully) to get funds for roads/highways/public transportation.

it also goes to municipal computer leasing scandals via. Tom Jackobek..

provincial lawsuits like walkerton ..

and federal sponsorship scandals..


what a shame .. no money for public transport, but oh well you know, first things first ..

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Palm Trees > Pine Trees , Sand > Snow

All socialist money wasters you mention above...

Too bad we didnt stay on course to pay off the debt so we could have the money to finance the things that matter.

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quote:

Originally posted by jester Everything in this country is illegal.

"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery…" Winston Churchill

‎"If you have ten thousand regulations you destroy all respect for the law" - Winston Churchill

quote:

Originally posted by dEsidEL it also goes to municipal computer leasing scandals via. Tom Jackobek.. provincial lawsuits like walkerton .. and federal sponsorship scandals.. what a shame .. no money for public transport, but oh well you know, first things first ..

LOL, no argument there.

Not everybody knows this but we actually have a very active organization called the Canadian Taxpayers Federation that keeps a close eye on these things. So for everybody who's mad that their taxes aren't going to the right places, there IS something you can do besides complaining: join them. Support an organization that actually can and does make a difference.

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9999-45-81 - Tweaker Gimp ☼ I Probably Won't Even Go To This But I Have To Make Sure I Fill Up All The Available Space Here

yeah until they make mcguinty sign a pledge and then he goes and breaks that pledge. Shows you how much respect he has for taxpayers.

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quote:

Originally posted by jester Everything in this country is illegal.

"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery…" Winston Churchill

‎"If you have ten thousand regulations you destroy all respect for the law" - Winston Churchill

quote:

Originally posted by Jayx1 yeah until they make mcguinty sign a pledge and then he goes and breaks that pledge. Shows you how much respect he has for taxpayers.

Yes, but unlike lobby groups, the CTF has the resources to file a lawsuit. And they sue quite often (not usually for money but for injunctions).

Government wastes a lot of money, but you have no clue just how much more they'd be wasting if it wasn't for the CTF. I haven't joined them yet because I really just started earning an income, but I probably will soon.

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My party schedule:
2009-02-21 - DJ Attention @ I'm So Popular
2009-06-18 - DJ Annoying @ People Need To Know Where I'll Be
2012-11-32 - DJ Insufferable ɸ Or At Least the Stalkers I Complain About
2048-06-66 - Spastic & Whocares ¶ Although I'm Actually Flattered
9999-45-81 - Tweaker Gimp ☼ I Probably Won't Even Go To This But I Have To Make Sure I Fill Up All The Available Space Here

yeah.. i agree. But its pretty bad when this premier arrogantly ignores a committment he signed. Whats worse is when his health minister tells me, an enetertainment industry worker that he doesn't care about my job, health and well being when ramming through his smoking legislation.

This government has demonstrated that they don't respect taxpayers and they don't respect entertainment workers.

I'll remember both acts of arrogance on election day.

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quote:

Originally posted by jester Everything in this country is illegal.

"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery…" Winston Churchill

‎"If you have ten thousand regulations you destroy all respect for the law" - Winston Churchill

You just had to bring up the smoking issue, didn't you! Enough already!

___________________
My party schedule:
2009-02-21 - DJ Attention @ I'm So Popular
2009-06-18 - DJ Annoying @ People Need To Know Where I'll Be
2012-11-32 - DJ Insufferable ɸ Or At Least the Stalkers I Complain About
2048-06-66 - Spastic & Whocares ¶ Although I'm Actually Flattered
9999-45-81 - Tweaker Gimp ☼ I Probably Won't Even Go To This But I Have To Make Sure I Fill Up All The Available Space Here