{"id":4138,"date":"2009-03-30T22:19:52","date_gmt":"2009-03-31T02:19:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/spacingtoronto.ca\/2009\/03\/30\/merger-is-a-go-support-the-drl-bikes-on-more-buses\/"},"modified":"2009-03-31T15:42:03","modified_gmt":"2009-03-31T19:42:03","slug":"merger-is-a-go-support-the-drl-bikes-on-more-buses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spacing.ca\/toronto\/2009\/03\/30\/merger-is-a-go-support-the-drl-bikes-on-more-buses\/","title":{"rendered":"Merger is a GO, support the DRL, bikes on more buses"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/a><\/p>\n

In this post, I touch upon three different pieces of news in the local transit scene.<\/p>\n

The biggest news so far this week in transit has been the announced takeover of GO Transit by Metrolinx, by virtue of provincial legislation (PDF)<\/a>. This transforms Metrolinx from a “big vision” planning authority to a bona fide transit operator. With it though comes many changes that might prove to be controversial.<\/p>\n

Politicians will not sit on the new board (which will be headed by former University of Toronto and TorStar president Rob Prichard), instead it will be filled by yet-unnamed “experts” in planning and transport, similar to recent developments at Vancouver’s equivalent, Translink<\/a>. Language in the bill also appears to promote the use of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for new transit projects, seen either a successful strategy for transit expansion (the soon-to-open Canada Line in Vancouver) or a troubling development (Highway 407, Brampton Civic Hospital). Andrae Griffith has an interesting take at Metronauts<\/a>, while Steve Munro has a very different view.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

The name GO Transit, now 42 years old, will still live on as a “brand” for the regional rail and bus services operated by the greatly expanded Metrolinx organization. Personally, I think GO Transit has a lot of work to do still in customer service; the recent, poorly implemented fare hike (approved with less than 24 hours notice and disproportionately raising the cost of short trips) is just one example of issues at GO that also include service unreliability and poor communications. Though on several corridors, one can see improvements taking place.<\/p>\n

It is hoped that when Metrolinx takes over GO, it does not let day-to-day operations slide while planning for the future. Of course, an affordable, fair, integrated fare system should be key for properly transforming GO Transit from a parking-dependant, commuter rail service into a true regional system bringing all the Toronto area communities together.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

The people behind the Downtown Relief Line have started a petition with the intention of keeping momentum going for this planned new subway line. Despite some concerns, the DRL would not conflict with other planned transit improvements, but is seen as its supporters as the means to serve areas without rapid transit and prevent overcrowding of key existing transit assets. The petition, online here<\/a>, was put up by TRAC (<\/span>Transportation Regional Action Committee) with help from the DRL Action Committee and some Toronto city staffers.<\/span><\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

Finally, with bus racks now on most TTC buses, other Toronto area transit systems have followed suit. In addition to new bike storage shelters, GO Transit has been adding bike racks to its coach buses<\/a> – the Toronto-Hamilton bus the first route accepting bicycles, but this year, one should expect an increased rollout of the program. And upon arriving in Hamilton, the avid bike rider will find nearly all H.S.R. buses equipped<\/a>, particularly useful for avoiding the climb up Hamilton Mountain. Brampton Transit is the latest system to add bike racks on its buses, the first system toadd bike racks under Metrolinx’s cheesy-sounding “Bikelinx” program. The racks will be available for use starting this summer, and interface with equipped TTC routes at Pearson Airport and Humber College.<\/p>\n

Photo by <\/span>Archangeli <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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