Ontario Government Agency, Metrolinx, announced its plans to allow a private company to build AND RUN the new Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown, Finch and Sheppard light rail lines. According to a comprehensive TTC study, a privately run light rail line will likely mean increased construction costs, less public influence over the project, and delays in completion. We believe the new light rail lines should be publicly-run and controlled by the TTC.
Take action: say 'no' to the privatization of the Eglinton, Finch, and Sheppard Light Rail Lines
Take action: say 'no' to the privatization of the Eglinton, Finch, and Sheppard Light Rail Lines
TAKE ACTION
1. Call or write to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Bob Chiarelli, and tell him you do not support the handing over of the Light Rail Transit expansion of the Elginton Crosstown Line or other light rail lines to private multinational consortiums. We can't afford to lose 50 years of TTC experience, expertise and public accountability for private profit. It was Chiarelli's decision to impose a Public-Private Partnership (P3) on LRT expansion in Toronto, at the last minute. [email protected] 416-327-9200.
2. Call your local councillor at 311 and send the same message.
3. Join the TTCriders/Scarborough Transit Action Working Group. Contact Brenda Thompson [email protected] Facebook: Scarborough Transit Action
WHY ARE WE CONCERNED?
All across the city, many of you helped create a groundswell of demand to have Transit City restored, and cheered when City Council acted to bring back the four Light Rail projects that Mayor Ford had cancelled. However, just as we have been savouring our victory, another potentially worse threat is looming that could forever change the nature and function of the TTC.
Metrolinx, the provincial transit agency, announced at its April 25th meeting that it intended to take over management of these LRT projects in the context of “alternative financing and procurement” (AFP), also known as “public-private-partnership” (P3).
In response, at the May 30th TTC Commission meeting, TTC staff presented an analysis of the serious problems with this arrangement set out in an arms-length study and report provided by the American Public Transit Association. Briefly, the report argued there will be:
- increased costs, delays in completion,
- greater complexity and likelihood of confusion,
- and loss of public consultation and accountability.
The TTC has an existing department with fifty years experience in design and construction of rapid transit projects. As the third largest transit system in North America, it has no need of outside agencies to take over its work. In fact, Metrolinx will have to establish a new organization to manage these projects.
- Read the Toronto Star article written by TTCriders member, Joell Ann Vanderwagon called "Premier Dalton McGuinty should tame the Metrolinx beast"
- Watch the Public Transit Coalition's video on the consequences of privatization.