Torontomatic

Japan is not the perfect model for our situation. I probably would not want to live there, but I saw an amazing program the other day about Japan. You can live in cities hours a way and simply commute to Tokyo via the bullet train, everyday (all-day). I know that this is a simplistic approach, but I am a simple person. How can one group of people realize the importance of transit to urban development needs? GO Transit is trying their best, but until trains are running every 30 min. or less there is no comparison.

The unfortunate problem with public transit over the years has been simple politics. When politics gets in the way you end up with the Scarborough RT or a truncated Sheppard subway or now a subway to York Region. When politics get in the way you end up with “longer GO Trains”, rather then longer or more service. I understand that the train lines, for GO Transit, are not owned by them. I understand that the Government had “great intentions” when they forced the UDTC RT train technology on the TTC. I understand that the “Harris” government only wanted to save money with a “No Frills” subway that stopped at Don Mills. However now look at what this has all accomplished.

The TTC now has to spend millions to replace the RT line, with money tied up in a spadina extension to Vaughan for no reason. With a Sheppard line stuck at Don Mills, with no money to move it to Scarborough (at least Victoria Park/Warden where it should be). Let’s not forget those “longer GO Trains”, that run only on rush hours, when we need it.

The Ontario government says it’s “Purchasing 27 new, more powerful, fuel-efficient locomotives that can pull two more cars, adding 300 more passengers per train”.

Great, 300 people, eh! I was once told “Do it right or don’t do it at all until you get it right”. Where is the vision now? What about the entire GTA? Everyone is doing their own thing. The fact is that governments have to realize that public transit is not a cost, but an investment into the future. We do not always need the most “expensive” technology. Keep it simple, and get people moving!

By: Torontomatic