The President and Chief Executive Officer of Metrolinx, Bruce McCuaig, replied to our May 1st Letter regarding Metrolinx's Toronto Transit Expansion plans.
TTCriders were thrilled to hear back from Metrolinx so soon after we contacted them. In his May 9th letter Mr. McCuaig said there were several factors that have impacted the schedule (for the Sheppard East LRT) including:
According to the FAQ on its website "Infrastructure Ontario (IO) is a crown agency of the Ontario government focused on modernizing and financing the renewal of public infrastructure, maximizing the value of public real estate and managing government facilities. We provide project delivery, lending, real estate management and asset planning expertise, and are driven to provide value for money and exceptional service to our customers."
In other words the IO process is designed to keep projects on time, on budget and on schedule. However, if we're not mistaken, Toronto's Transit Expansion plans are actually being delayed by following the IO process that is designed to ensure projects are not delayed.
We hope TTC Commissioners will formally comment on and contribute to the discussion of Metorlinx's project delivery plans. Perhaps the staff report they are set to receive at the TTC's May 30th meeting which will respond to Metrolinx's plans will provide an opportunity for the Commission to weigh in on this vitally important topic.
TTCriders asked all federal MP candidates about their commitments to public transit. Read their responses to our transit policy survey and see where your candidates stand on improving public transit!