[smallspy]

The question to be asked of Metrolinx management is - what is the scope and plan to downsize Metrolinx after the transfer of people and functions to Onxpress?

I have seen the outsourcing game played before in crown corporations - the party line will be that ML is now a "smart buyer" and needs just as many people to manage the relationship with Onxpress. One would hope that Queens Park isn't buying that.

One would expect that a Metrolinx with no direct operating accountability needs far fewer people to perform its residual functions.

- Paul

Don't forget that while OnXpress is taking over the rail operations, the bus operations are going no where - for now.

Yes, there may be some headcount reduction, but a large part of the organization is dedicated to making sure that the buses run everyday, and they aren't going anywhere.

Dan

 

[crs1026]

Don't forget that while OnXpress is taking over the rail operations, the bus operations are going no where - for now.

Yes, there may be some headcount reduction, but a large part of the organization is dedicated to making sure that the buses run everyday, and they aren't going anywhere.

That's fair, and I don't have any accurate data on the ML org chart or how much of the organization is affected by losing the rail functions. So it's hard to say how much of a hit the ML orgainization is taking through Onxpress.
However, the management take on this is a pretty good test of whether ML sees itself as a government bureaucracy or as a business organization. Any market-based bottom-line-focussed organization that drops a product line (or subcontracts it out) will be making reductions immediately. A public sector bureaucracy will fight to retain head count - size is power.

- Paul