One thing that the province can do to improve transit in Toronto would be to repeal section 395 (1)-(3) of the City of Toronto Act
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_06c11_e.htm#BK501
This would allow private operators to take advantage of market options to add private transportation opportunities where the TTC/GO does not provide adequate service. Some that come to mind:
- express buses to downtown during peak periods
- express buses to other key employment areas during peak periods
- "community buses" that circulate through a neighbourhood and stop at shopping areas and other local attractions.
- buses linking outer Toronto neighbourhoods (Agincourt, Rexdale, etc) with neighbouring cities
- late night buses bringing people home from bars downtown and circulating through distant neighbourhoods
- buses that circulate between various bars (these could be sponsored or operated by the bars)
- for-profit car pooling programs for commuters (you pay a company to join a pool or get paid to carry passengers)
- buses operated by major attractions/events to bring in customers
Rather than have endless studies to develop government programs, simply let the private sector get involved.
If outright repeal is not an option, perhaps an exception could be added to S395(3) for buses that hold less than 20 passengers. This would allow for small operations using large vans.