TTC Reams Riders
The TTC screws us every single year at the same time. And if they don't, they threaten to until someone (the province) gives in and throws them a wad of rescue cash. When will this end? Last year, when they threatened to strike, I started riding my bike to work in downtown T.O. Never been happier and will never pay them for a ride again- well, in warm, sunny, happy times at least. One rider down with thousands to go. So, will the Harpies help deal with big cities and transit? Or will they simply shrug and say "not our jurisdiction"?
One thing is for sure, the ruling CPC will make for an easy target for provincial governments and cities who want to blame their own financial woes on a lack of federal support, especially in light of Harper's plank on fixing the gap. But this could easily turn into a fed-bashing publicity stalemate that could stall development and implementation of real, effective public policy for transit, the environment and urban sprawl. Unless, of course, Harper makes good on his promise to throw tons of cash at every province and wash his hands of the responsibliities of ruling the country. I, for one, ain't holding my breath kiddies. canada, politics, k-dough, canada, political, liberal, conservative, Harper, Canada, politics, k-dough
One thing is for sure, the ruling CPC will make for an easy target for provincial governments and cities who want to blame their own financial woes on a lack of federal support, especially in light of Harper's plank on fixing the gap. But this could easily turn into a fed-bashing publicity stalemate that could stall development and implementation of real, effective public policy for transit, the environment and urban sprawl. Unless, of course, Harper makes good on his promise to throw tons of cash at every province and wash his hands of the responsibliities of ruling the country. I, for one, ain't holding my breath kiddies. canada, politics, k-dough, canada, political, liberal, conservative, Harper, Canada, politics, k-dough
posted by K-Dough at 6:49 AM
12 Comments:
Skweaky wheel gets the oil. TTC seems to understand that.
CPC an easy target? For sure. Cities agenda belongs to Paul Martin. That's his legacy.
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Lai: Not to mention parochial NIMBY types who scream and faint at the mere thought of higher density living (i.e., condos).
Odd that, in Toronto, everyone from the progressive, urban, intelligensia to the suburbanites absolutely flip at the thought of another condo. Where else are we going to put the people? The 'burbs, of course.
The TTC, rather than threatening the fare hikes each year, really needs to engage in an organized campaign to convince the federal and provincial governments to cough up more Dough. What's the catch phrase, that the TTC is the only transit system in the world not subsidized by its federal government?
DiKU- Agreed, that the TTC needs to be more organized. But is dough the real answer? How about an organized campaign to audit their business practices and finances and make cuts where appropriate?
And as far as the "progressive, urban, intelligensia (and)the suburbanites absolutely flip(ping) at the thought of another condo", they all need to realize they can't have their trans-fat laden cake (Twinkies?) and breath the fucking air too.
Mike Harris has to be behind this somewhere after all he's supposedly behind all the Toronto shootings.
K-Dough is absolutely right. More money is not the answer. It may help, but more money to the TTC means more waste. A full public audit is necessary. As it is, when TTC officials meet to discuss their budget and how to spend it, they do so with the caviat that they will, at the end of the fiscal, ask the province and feds for more cash.
I heard an interesting idea about foreign aid to African nations. It came from an African economist. He is calling for the end of foreign aid, saying that by giving aid to third world nations you assist the corrupt governments that run them. Then, when you forgive their debts, they are dependent on you, and in your control. This is one way the West keeps them where they want them.
It's the same with the TTC. Take away their allowance until they prove they are responsible.
Sure, they'll tell us they hate us, slam the door and stay in their room (probably cut a service or two). But they'll grow up and realise that the only way to get what you want is to work hard and manage responsibly, and take care of themselves.
This is all true and there's no point arguing with me because I'm right. Resistence is futile.
Ok then, how about an arm wrestle? Bare-knuckled punch out? Testicle pulling contest?
I want to watch an all-of-the-above-fest from a passing mismanaged streetcar. Personally I think the concept of transparency in Canadian Public Service is a joke. Give them money for infrastructure but make them ACCOUNTABLE. There should be a catch. and that catch should mandate that they publicize their books. The people will keep them honest.
or what?
Keet- one of the arguments for "people" keeping the TTC "honest" has always been that ridership will decline and people will start losing jobs if fares go up. But in that case everyone suffers.
But I like your suggestion re: the "catch". Unless strings are provided with cash handouts, and public institutions like the TTC are required to be accountable (although some would argue that's why we have Toronto City Council)we run into serious problems.
Mmmm... trans fats! McDonalds just announced that, as a result of better testing, a size large order of fries now has a full third more trans fat than before!
But seriously, I'm wondering what the best way is to make the TTC "accountable." I'd assume it's audited by the city and subject to freedom of information laws. Plus, public servants are subject to checks and balances up the wazoo.
I'm not adverse to an audit, but is that the real answer?
Diku- you said "subject to freedom of information laws":
You're not on about the media championing democracy again are you? Sheesh...
A business audit, if it hasn't been done recently, would be a great idea. All we ever hear is "not enough money". But why specifically is that the case? It's not like they are expanding services. Are operating costs skyrocketing? If so, why? Fuel/electricity rates? I don't hear these kinds of policy issues being talked about by union leaders or city councillors. It's always just "we need more money".
Maybe I'm ignorant but...well, wait, I'm definitely ignorant but...
One of the key problems is that by maintaining a universal fee ($2.50 no matter how far you ride) the TTC is unable to accurately charge its users a realistic price. It certainly costs more to operate a subway from Downsview to Union than the King car. but is not reflected in fares. The TTC should return to a zoned fare system (the father you go the more you pay) rather than socking everyone to subsidize long rides.
Interestingly enough, the TTC had such a system until 1971, when the province forced it to adopt a single fare. The old system was so successful, that the TTC built the Yonge subway out of its own pocket, without gas tax transfers, handouts, whatever.
The TTC, and municipal governance in general, have to be fixed at the local level. Martin's true 'cities agenda legacy' that bowie speaks of is little more than hitching local governments to federal priorities, which can change at any time. Local government and transit needs the ability to set its own priorities, not handouts.
rce- wasn't reviving that idea being kicked around recently?
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