Raise the Hammer

We might see project equity yet!

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Two city councillors will be tabling a motion next week seeking to take control of the new LRT lines away from the province.

The motion, submitted by Joe Mihevc and seconded by Gord Perks, calls on city council to adopt the position that the future LRT lines on Shepperd, Finch and Eglinton, as well as the Scarborough LRT project, be controlled by the Toronto Transit Commission.

The motion is scheduled to be on the agenda for the Oct. 2 city council meeting.

Earlier this week, Metrolinx, the province’s transit agency, announced it would be taking over the operation and maintenance of the lines. The motion was filed because the councillors feel Metrolinx isn’t cut out for the job. “If we’re going to deliver high quality transit to Torontonians, then the TTC needs to do it,” said Mr. Perks. “The province isn’t capable.”

The motion appears to have prompted a sharp response from the Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. A statement from Bob Chiarelli implied that any more second-guessing by city politicians would only stall negotiations that are well underway.

“That negotiation is virtually complete and must be allowed to conclude without interference in order to avoid cost escalation,” said Mr. Chiarelli in the statement. “The people of Toronto want to see shovels in the ground, not more unnecessary debate and delay.”

In a letter sent to Metrolinx by Sameh Ghaly, the chief capital officer of the TTC, on Sept. 12, the city transit commission acknowledged that an approach led by the province was a viable option, and would provide the same level of safety to customers as a TTC-lead approach would.

The other viable option outlined by Mr. Galeh was for the LRT to be operated and maintained by the TTC.

Councillor Perks said the Metrolinx approach, which would include bringing in a private operator for the line, would not fare well for Toronto. “I think that the Province of Ontario should have learned their lesson from the 407, eHealth and Ornge, that contracting out public works leads to disaster.”


http://www.nationalpost.com/m/wp/posted-toronto/blog.html?b=news.nationalpost.com/2012/09/27/councillors-want-ttc-to-take-control-of-lrt-lines-from-province