[kEiThZ]

With the advent of Metrolinx, I am wondering if the TTC should be broken up. A template for this would be Transport for London (TfL), which runs everything from the subways, to buses, to ferries and on to licensing taxis, etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_for_london

I figure Metrolinx could eventually evolve into a TfL type agency and absorb the regional transit services and GO and work to create a seemless system. The TTC could then be broken up into its rail and bus components. This provides some system competition and redundancy...and at the very minimum avoids a strike taking down the whole system.

So what do y'all think? Metrolinx = TfL?

 

[autopilot]

I think it's a great idea but I can't see this happening any time soon.

Metrolinx has not been around long enough as an agency to take responsibility of the biggest transit operator in the region. They are yet to even really implement anything on there own (as far as I know).

Once they have taken over GO, they should look at taking over surrounding transit systems...MT, BT, DRT, YRT etc etc so that eventually the only independent transit operator left is the TTC. Not until they are running a seemless system outside the City of Toronto should they consider taking over the TTC.

 

[RedRocket191]

They are yet to even really implement anything on there own (as far as I know).

They have funded quick-win projects, including bike racks on buses across the GTA, new transit terminals, improved GO service (new cars and tracks within the next few years) and funding for BRT lines in Hamilton and Durham. Of course, when the RTP comes out in a month, we'll have plenty to talk about.

Metrolinx has said that they do not want to be "operators" of local transit. My interpretation of this is that they feel that local planners are best suited to decide which street a bus route should run on and how frequent that bus route should run. Of course, they will have responsibility for planning and constructing lines of regional significance, and most likely will operate those lines. What they will do about existing lines of regional significance has yet to be seen.

I think the best case scenario we'll find is a setup similar to the VIVA/YRT one system. There will be multiple brands of transit service, but co-ordinated schedules, a region-wide fare system, uniform transfer privileges and minimum service levels will make the customer feel as if it is one system from Hamilton to Oshawa.

And isn't that really the point? Does it matter what colour the bus is, so long as you know that it will be on time, and you'll be able to transfer onto the next bus without having to figure out if you're allowed to or not?

 

[Whoaccio]

In theory I like the idea, but there is one important difference between Metrolinx & TfL. TfL is directly under the authority of the Mayor of London (every Oyster Card specifically says contact the Mayor's Office). Metrolinx would likely be chaired by a group of appointed bureaucrats from various municipalities. In the London case, there is a very well known elected official responsible for transit whereas we would be stuck with a shadowy group of appointees. Who is Rob MacIsaac anyways? If we did do something like this, a GTA-wide election might be due in order to appoint who leads the organization. You need an elected official to blame when things go wrong (and they will go wrong).

 

[Automation Gallery]

I think it's a great idea but I can't see this happening any time soon.

Metrolinx has not been around long enough as an agency to take responsibility of the biggest transit operator in the region. They are yet to even really implement anything on there own (as far as I know).

Once they have taken over GO, they should look at taking over surrounding transit systems...MT, BT, DRT, YRT etc etc so that eventually the only independent transit operator left is the TTC. Not until they are running a seemless system outside the City of Toronto should they consider taking over the TTC.

Metrolinx has plans to run outdated diesel engine trains to the airport.Hey if they take over the TTC they might be able to buy the old streetcars back from Mexico city for peanuts and also refurbish some of the old scrap ones and avoid having to buy any of the new Alsthom or Bombardier Trams and save the city millions of dollars.

 

[Automation Gallery]

Metrolinx might also be able to add a couple of these clunkers to there future TTC fleet.

 

[xtremesniper]

Metrolinx has plans to run outdated diesel engine trains to the airport.Hey if they take over the TTC they might be able to buy the old streetcars back from Mexico city for peanuts and also refurbish some of the old scrap ones and avoid having to buy any of the new Alsthom or Bombardier Trams and save the city millions of dollars.

As far as I recall, Metrolinx isn't the one deciding on the Blue 22 line. I thought this was going on outside of Metrolinx discussions because their papers were delayed until next month, and the mayor wants to fast track the airport rail process.

 

[RedRocket191]

As far as I recall, Metrolinx isn't the one deciding on the Blue 22 line. I thought this was going on outside of Metrolinx discussions because their papers were delayed until next month, and the mayor wants to fast track the airport rail process.

Bingo

 

[TOareaFan]

As far as I recall, Metrolinx isn't the one deciding on the Blue 22 line. I thought this was going on outside of Metrolinx discussions because their papers were delayed until next month, and the mayor wants to fast track the airport rail process.

But accuracy ruins a good sight gag!!

 

[RedRocket191]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truthiness

 

[kEiThZ]

What about splitting up the TTC and privatizing it?

By that I mean creating two separate arms length city companies, one for the heavy rail network, and one for streetcars, LRT and buses.

Might be a solution to our TTC strike threats....

 

[xtremesniper]

What about splitting up the TTC and privatizing it?

By that I mean creating two separate arms length city companies, one for the heavy rail network, and one for streetcars, LRT and buses.

Might be a solution to our TTC strike threats....

I don't think you'd have to even go that far. Somehow the union could just be forced to split into the drivers for different service networks instead of being one group for the entire service. Somehow.

 

[Whoaccio]

What about splitting up the TTC and privatizing it?

By that I mean creating two separate arms length city companies, one for the heavy rail network, and one for streetcars, LRT and buses.

Might be a solution to our TTC strike threats....

You would have to go through the mother of all strikes first for that to happen. Would need a positively Reagan-esque response.

 

[urbanfan89]

What about splitting up the TTC and privatizing it?

By that I mean creating two separate arms length city companies, one for the heavy rail network, and one for streetcars, LRT and buses.

Might be a solution to our TTC strike threats....

I think abolishing and shutting down the TTC is a better option.

There will be no strikes, and no taxpayer money spent on it at all.

 

[nfitz]

I think abolishing and shutting down the TTC is a better option.

And perhaps you could enlighten us with what you'd do with roads and parking downtown?