As the details we hear usually about Metrolinx and “the big move” are interesting but rarely provide insight into how our daily needs for public transit in King are being addressed, it was great to hear their presentation at Council 7/11.

To my mind effective public transit (reliable, adequate frequency, easily accessible) is a critical enabler for us to be sustainable.   Secondly, it is almost irresponsible to be talking about intensification if effective public transit is not being created in parallel.  Given these two beliefs, I heard both good and bad news from Metrolinx.

The good news:   increases in GO train capacity in the relatively near term:  starting this fall there will be an additional train in both directions at peak.  And they have decided to extend the platforms to allow for 12 cars versus the current 10.

The bad news: no decisions yet how to alleviate the grossly inadequate parking at the King City station; a parking feasibility study has been started.    And worse news is that King City is not alone in terms of inadequate parking. Also there has been no decision on an additional station between King City and Aurora.   Metrolinx got the message very strongly from the Council that parking is a serious problem.  Councillor Mortelliti asked about Metrolinx providing a shuttle from possible remote parking lots. Mayor Pellegrini pushed his favourite remediation by asking for help to make parking on Keele safe.

There was also very frank discussion about the huge serious funding challenge.  Metrolinx has a 25 year horizon for which they have projects which require $50 million.  Funding in place today is $14 million. If this gap is going to be closed there needs to be some bold innovative financing including re-applying successes in our own and other jurisdictions such as private-public partnerships, tolls etc.

Each of us will have different criteria for deciding where to cast our vote on October 6th.  I would suggest that one of the issues to check on with each candidate/party is what they will do to ensure that public transit is funded and supported adequately.

The Metrolinx vision and planning is evolving:  it includes bicycle and pedestrian paths, parking, the integration of different modes and more.  To learn more check out their mobility hub guidelines.