Big Move equals Big Money

Metrolinx has shortlisted a number of revenue tools needed to finance ambitious expansion plans for GTA transit.  The article in the Toronto Star lists eleven ways to generate the funds necessary with none of them being politically appealing.  The issue of gridlock in the Toronto area has grown to the point where it can no longer be ignored and the loss of productivity is starting to affect the economy.  

Our political leaders are starting to grapple with the effects of a non-existence transportation policy in this province and now that the issue is forced upon them, they should take the opportunity to do it right.  Ontario Northland Transportation Commission, as the first provincial Crown agency has provided rail transportation in their region for over one hundred years.  

There are discrepancies in the tax system that have led to the rapid expansion of highway transport in spite of the fact that rail is more economical in medium to long haul situations.  One of the main issues facing railways is that the trucking industry is able to utilize infrastructure that is paid for by the province.  The trucking industry uses the same highways as the general public but there is no evidence to suggest they pay enough in gas tax or registration fees to cover the increased cost of maintaining roads subjected to their weight.

This is a chance for government to make some changes that will lead to better transportation choices for the public.  Increasing the gas tax will make transit a better option for the travelling public.  In so doing, the government will have to make more of an effort to show that the money raised by gas tax and vehicle registrations is being used to improve transportation options and reduce gridlock.

In spite of the horrendous experiment with Hwy 407, I would also support toll revenue on 400 series highways, the DVP and the Gardiner, if I could be sure the money would be transparently applied to their maintenance and any surplus directed toward transit.

For a long time the money raised by gas tax, vehicle registration and licensing was supplemented by general revenue, to invest in our highway infrastructure.  Now is the time to reverse that trend and increase the amount invested in our passenger rail infrastructure.  

It is also incumbent on the provincial government to work with the federal government to expand rail options into other areas of the province beyond the GTA, the one most under their control is the rail passenger service provided by Ontario Northland.  That service should be expanded and enhanced not thrown away.  More on how to do that later.