Funding crunch could get GTA moving
By CAROL WILDING
Toronto's clogged arteries cry out for fresh thinking on how to fund new transit projects at a time of budget cutbacks, says Board of Trade president Carol Wilding.
Funding delays.
Last place in commute times on a global basis.
Transit cited as one of the main election issues.
Mayoral candidates debating the merits of subways over light rail.
Over the past few weeks, the Toronto region’s transportation needs have been a prime topic of conversation.
Since the provincial budget announcement of a delay in funding for Metrolinx projects, speculation, conjecture and rhetoric about Toronto’s transit future have been rampant. Thankfully, we will soon have a clearer picture. This week, Metrolinx will announce what the provincial funding delay will mean for theBig Move’s construction schedule.
While the details are not yet known, early indications are that the $4 billion savings over five years can be achieved with a minimal extension of the timelines for Metrolinx’s first five projects.