On Tuesday I asked whether fare increases at both GO Transit and
the TTC would set back efforts to improve Toronto’s air quality.
Brandon Donnelly of Toronto writes, “What annoys me most about the
fare hike is not so much the fact that I will be paying more, but
that I will be paying more for a system that... is inadequate. I
believe that living in a city should mean a car is completely
optional. I do not own a car, and I have no intention to buy one in
the near future. I do however feel that my mobility should not be
compromised. Unfortunately I spend every morning squished on a King
streetcar in a slow and lengthy battle through morning traffic.
“We are not
moving towards cleaner air quickly enough -- absolutely not. This
city lacks proper alternatives to the automobile; our transit is
inadequate and our streets lack bike lanes. Although I am not alone
in my kvetching, the problem cannot be easily solved. It requires
drastic measures, measures that require funding, tenacity and
drive.”
Darren Ruddock
of Whitby writes, “I too noticed that in Friday’s Metro there were
announcements about transit cost increases and an article on winter
smog. This is a real shame -- but it is painfully obvious that in
spite of the societal, economical and environmental benefits of
affordable and accessible public transportation, this is not a high
priority for our elected representatives. Next election I'm hoping
that David Suzuki runs for office because the alternates stink like
the GTA air.”
Regular reader
Erik Nippak of Toronto writes, “Much of the mess of the TTC is of
its own making, because of its inability to automate (fare
collection), as well as decisions to purchase buses and other
equipment that is politically driven, not based on the needs of 99%
of the users. Two major things have to happen to turn things around
-- the TTC has to find efficiencies with automation, make better
spending decisions and reduce the wage bill, while the province has
to stabilize funding. Every year there are the same predictable
arguments -- the city wants the TTC to squeeze more out of what it
has, and the TTC presents a huge bill to keep the status quo. It's a
game that has to end if Toronto wants to be considered a world class
city. The folks that run the TTC, plus the politicians that decide
on funding, should get out more to other cities (Hong Kong and
Singapore are good examples) and see how a first class system is
run.”
Tyler Wade of
North Toronto writes, “I have been riding the TTC for five years
now. The only improvements I've seen is the rate in which the TTC is
declining. The TTC has griped for years now about more funding.
Here's what I want... I want the TTC to open their books to the
public for a little inquiry. I want to evaluate salaries. I want to
see where the money is going. Essentially, I don't want this hot air
anymore. I want real proof that the TTC needs money and I want
assurance that they're spending it where it's needed. We have one of
the highest commuter populations, what else do you need?”
I often hear
from readers who question the way the TTC directs its scant funds.
It’s quite true that politicized decisions and other inefficiencies
can and do lead to wasted dollars, yet TTC finances are some of the
most scrutinized of any transit agency I know. We’ll examine some of
those expenditures in the future.
Send e-mail to
transit@eddrass.com.
Include address and phone number.