More on this transit economy. I would go so far as to say Ontario could plan, in the long term, a reverse of the
Great American Streetcar Scandal, as portrayed in Martha Olson and Jim Klein's documentary film
Taken for a Ride (
available on Youtube as of 2013). There has been criticism of this film but GM, Firestone, paving and oil companies were found guilty in California of conspiracy, and it was a decision that held up to appeal.
Ontario is a different jurisdiction, but because there is a continental market you have to assume similar practices were and maybe are in operation here as well. Ask yourself why it is certain politicians cry "war on car" every time the Toronto wants to replace a road lane with a transit lane? Why, doesn't that sound a little weird. How long would it take for you to count how many roads there are in Toronto? How long would it take you to count how many truly dedicated transit lines there are? Why don't the newspapers investigate? Hmmm? The 401 is often called one of the biggest highways in the world. As has been said before, it's also the biggest oil spill.
Let's try and think like grownups. If we want to repatriate all those transportation dollars that go with moving people around we can't think in terms of cars because, let's all repeat, Canada doesn't own car companies. Canada does own transportation companies. Planes and trains, yes. Cars, no. (if this idea ever comes out on video let's call it "Planes, Trains and no Automobiles"). A combination of air travel and comprehensive rail transit is actually ideal for a place as big as Canada. You basically have islands of population in a sea of deserted territory. Fly in, hop on the train, fly out.
How about building our own transportation system and not giving our money away to Korea, Japan and the U.S.A. and Alberta (no offense, Alberta) Municipalities and provinces do own transportation maintenance companies. The money goes into these organizations, provides good jobs and circulates at home in the communities rather than flying away. We too have to think like long term conspirators. How can we take our transportation back from the car companies and oil?
Ontario's got lots of power. Nuclear, water but any oil we're burning for electricity, for our cars, or for whatever is primarily being imported into the province. Oil in, money out. Why do we maintain an oil-based economy?