TheTigerMaster
Superstar
Later = never in Ontario. If you want it built, you need to build it asap. Preferably in one election cycle
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crs1026
Superstar
If we work downtown, no problem. We will keep adding peak trains.
The question is how to convince people who are going somewhere else to choose not to go by car.
Brown's solution is likely to be - more highways.
*sigh*
- Paul
TransitBart
Senior Member
I have employees quitting because they can't take the crush on Line 2 any more. The forecast future is pathetic. Not to mention that it is hard to see how more highways will fix commuting in 416.
TheTigerMaster
Superstar
There will be no new highways in Toronto. Not unless Brown plans to bulldoze through countless neighbourhoods. Real estate is super expensive. It's not happening.
W. K. Lis
Superstar
That would be like saying that former Progressive Conservative leader and Premier of Ontario, Bill Davis, was wrong for cancelling the expressway projects in Toronto. The current Progressive Conservative Leader, Patrick Brown, won't say that.
crs1026
Superstar
Oh, I know. But the 905 voter beckons. And those beyond the 905 understand 'stop the spending' more than they understand GTA congestion.
I'm still betting his election platform takes something off the table from the GO/RER portfolio. One more study here, a deferral there....
Not saying I like it, just thinking about how he can differentiate himself from the Liberals and take a leaner economic course.
- Paul
TransitBart
Senior Member
I was going to write a cranky response to @crs1026. It wasn't merited so I have not done it. Furthermore, this thought belongs in the 'stoopid things politicians say' thread or some place like that.
In mutual fund investing, the prospectus says. "Past performance is not a solid indicator of future results".
We are speculating and torturing ourselves over what a future PC government transportation policy might look like. We should evaluate a clear policy when it is presented. We should also hassle MPPs and candidates about what their views are. Speculating is only generating steam.
Mr. Brown is not likely as dense as Mr. Hudak was; notwithstanding his recent game of footie with a 19 year-old social conservative twink.
Normally, one runs on a platform which is predicated in some measure on improving people's lives. Since getting to and from work and school is an important part of many lives, it is hard to see how a repeat of recent bone-headed cut-this, cut-that performance will appeal widely.
Let's move this conversation to the right thread. Not only Mr. Brown and Mrs Wynne need to work very hard, Mr. Tory needs to as well, and when Mr Trudeau gets out of the Aga Khan's helicopter - I didn't get a helicopter ride this Christmas - there are 6 million GTA residents looking for a little federal support.
In mutual fund investing, the prospectus says. "Past performance is not a solid indicator of future results".
We are speculating and torturing ourselves over what a future PC government transportation policy might look like. We should evaluate a clear policy when it is presented. We should also hassle MPPs and candidates about what their views are. Speculating is only generating steam.
Mr. Brown is not likely as dense as Mr. Hudak was; notwithstanding his recent game of footie with a 19 year-old social conservative twink.
Normally, one runs on a platform which is predicated in some measure on improving people's lives. Since getting to and from work and school is an important part of many lives, it is hard to see how a repeat of recent bone-headed cut-this, cut-that performance will appeal widely.
Let's move this conversation to the right thread. Not only Mr. Brown and Mrs Wynne need to work very hard, Mr. Tory needs to as well, and when Mr Trudeau gets out of the Aga Khan's helicopter - I didn't get a helicopter ride this Christmas - there are 6 million GTA residents looking for a little federal support.
TransitBart
Senior Member
1. He can avoid governing in a way that should have got him charged with fraud and breach of trust like Mr McGuinty.
2. He can avoid lying around the cost of cancelling gas plants.
3. He could slim down the electricity bureaucracy.
4. He can avoid doctors running air ambulance agencies - Ornge anyone? - and enriching themselves.
5. He can avoid e-Health - where the top bureaucrat - with an unimpressive resume was paid $400,000 per year before the thing was collapsed.
6. Oh - perhaps he can state the obvious quickly when something is indefensible too. Solitary confinement for a 22 year-old in Thunder Bay for 4 years?
7. How about funding Metrolinx fully, strengthening its board, telling it that it has a very important mission to improve the quality of life in the GTHA and then hold it to high account?
Any number of statements or policies along these lines would differentiate him clearly from the incumbent government.
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Leo_Chan
Senior Member
Scarborough-Pickering Townline/York-Durhan Line/Kingston Road Expressway/Gardiner Expressway East? That seems like one of the least destructive highways to build in the GTA. However the Rouge Valley Conservation Park is in the way, so are many households.
Leo_Chan
Senior Member
How about only 407 to 401? Virtually no destruction other than the environment. Allen and 400 extensions all go through buildings, even if tunneled.
Steve X
Senior Member
You're probably right. 95% of the population doesn't even know how RER is going to change the way of transportation in GTA. Cancelling it is no big deal to them.
innsertnamehere
Superstar
They may not know above it now, but they won't like it when the headline comes around saying "Brown to cancel largest GO expansion in Ontario history"
TheTigerMaster
Superstar
Yup, that is some powerful messaging.
I know Brown would have no problem gutting GO RER. But he also appears to be hyper-aware of the PCs appearance of being "conservative boogeymen" to most of the province, hence him telling socially conservative PC members to keep quiet. They might fear that going gangbusters on canceling transit expansion might remind Ontarians of the Haris days.
What I believe will be safe in a PC government:
- Scarborough Subway, for obvious reasons.
- Relief Line. Even Hudak supported building the complete "traditional" Relief Line. I would not be surprised to see the PCs come out in support of Relief Line Long. It probably has more support than any project in the 416 (70%+ of people approve of the proposal), and is an easy path to wining 416 ridings. At the very least, the Relief Line Short. Not supporting that would evoke images of "Conservative boogeyman" coming to cancel necessary projects and screw Torontonians.
- Finch West LRT. It'll be under construction.
Crosstown West and East are likely safe, since they don't yet have any specific funding commitments from the province.
Everything else for me is up in the air. Suburban LRT projects outside of Toronto are probably dead.
TransitBart
Senior Member
The only thing that will put the kibosh on fake news is people speaking up and declaring, "I call bullshit." When we get older, we get more self-conscious. That makes us less likely to call things out like the little boy in Hans Christian Anderson's folktale "The Emperor's New Clothes". I wish us all the courage to call it out and the wisdom to know when to do so.
A strong, independent free press with professional journalists who actually check facts has never been more important.
Nor has the distinction between reporting (facts) and expressing an editorial (opinion). Strongly held opinions are not facts. No matter how strongly held.
A strong, independent free press with professional journalists who actually check facts has never been more important.
Nor has the distinction between reporting (facts) and expressing an editorial (opinion). Strongly held opinions are not facts. No matter how strongly held.
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TheTigerMaster
Superstar
YOU'RE FAKE NEWS!