Time to Amalgamate GTHA Transit Authorities and Systems.

In the face of a persistent transportation crisis in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), it is evident that the current fragmented and politically influenced transit system is unable to meet the growing demands of our communities. This proposal advocates for the amalgamation of all GTHA public transit authorities into a robust Regional Transit Authority, aiming to establish a streamlined, efficient, and impartial approach to transit planning, funding, and operations.

Current Challenges:

Metrolinx, as a Provincial agency, faces inherent biases in its funding decisions, which are exclusively determined by the Province. Over the past four decades, various political parties and career politicians across all levels of government have failed to effectively manage and fund our transportation infrastructure. The absence of GTHA city Mayors on Metrolinx's Board further hampers the agency's ability to coordinate regional transit needs adequately.

Proposal for Amalgamation:

The proposed GTHA Regional Transit Authority would bring together the operations and systems of GO, TTC, Halton, Peel, York, Durham, and HSR into a unified and strategically managed entity. This amalgamation would facilitate a cohesive and integrated approach to addressing the region's diverse transit challenges.

Representative Board Structure:

The Regional Transit Authority's Board of Directors must include elected representatives from various levels of government to ensure balanced decision-making. This includes two representatives each from the Province and the Federal government, as well as Mayors from key cities like Mississauga and Toronto. Additionally, elected representatives from Halton, Peel, York, Durham, and the Mayor of Hamilton would contribute to comprehensive regional oversight.

Leadership Qualifications:

The CEO and COO leading the Regional Transit Authority should possess professional qualifications in transportation gained from both private and public transportation systems globally. This ensures a leadership team with the expertise required to navigate the complexities of regional transit planning and operations.

Dedicated Funding through Corporate Levy:

To secure lasting financial commitment for public transit, a dedicated 1% or 2% transit levy on corporations is proposed. This funding stream, backed by legislation from both provincial and federal governments, will exclusively finance transit initiatives, ensuring a stable and reliable source of funds to address the region's transit needs.

Conclusion:

Amalgamating GTHA's transit authorities into a Regional Transit Authority with a representative and expert leadership structure, coupled with a dedicated corporate levy, will empower our transit system to evolve and meet the challenges of the future. It is time for a transformative approach that prioritizes seamless regional integration, efficient operations, and sustainable funding to build a transit system that truly serves the people of the GTHA, in my view.