Ontario Merging GO Transit and Metrolinx
March 30, 2009 1:20 PM
McGuinty Government Moves Quickly To Improve And Expand Public Transit
Ontario would merge GO Transit and Metrolinx to build transit faster, ease congestion and create jobs under legislation to be introduced today.
To lead the transition phase, Robert Prichard has been named transition advisor for the merger. A transition advisory board, including Metrolinx Chair Rob MacIsaac and GO Transit Chair Peter Smith, will help move the province's transit plan to its next phase.
Under the proposed Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area Transit Implementation Act, 2009, the Ontario government would appoint a new board including experts in planning, finance and development to implement the Regional Transportation Plan as fast as possible.
The proposed merger, which fulfils the original intent of Metrolinx, would help get shovels in the ground faster on new transit projects. This would lead to thousands more construction jobs over the coming years and a stronger economy.
To lead the transition phase, Robert Prichard has been named transition advisor for the merger. A transition advisory board, including Metrolinx Chair Rob MacIsaac and GO Transit Chair Peter Smith, will help move the province's transit plan to its next phase.
Under the proposed Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area Transit Implementation Act, 2009, the Ontario government would appoint a new board including experts in planning, finance and development to implement the Regional Transportation Plan as fast as possible.
The proposed merger, which fulfils the original intent of Metrolinx, would help get shovels in the ground faster on new transit projects. This would lead to thousands more construction jobs over the coming years and a stronger economy.
QUICK FACTS
- The new Metrolinx board will be made up of up to 15 members.
- People take more than 1.6 million transit trips a day in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
- GO Transit carries nearly 55 million passengers each year.
- Congestion costs the GTA an estimated $6 billion annually.
- The Environmental Assessment process has been reduced from years to six months on transit projects.
LEARN MORE
Ministry of Transportation
ontario.ca/transportation
ontario.ca/transportation
"Metrolinx has done an excellent job building the agency and preparing a regional transportation plan. By bringing Metrolinx together with experienced transit-builder GO, we will be able to take transportation plans off the drawing board and into service more quickly."
– Jim Bradley
Minister of Transportation
Communities
