Road Tolls
A new study concludes that cities in the GTA and Hamilton should levy road tolls and new fuel taxes to reduce gridlock and pay for better public transit. Harry Kitchen, an economic professor at Peterborough’s Trent University who authored the study, says it’s the best and fairest way to make much needed repairs to the quickly crumbling infrastructure. Right now, municipalities can only raise revenue from property taxes and user fees. His recommendations would require legislative changes by the provincial government. The study calls for road tolls on the Don Valley Parkway and the Queen Elizabeth Way. It also recommends a fuel tax of six cents a litre, as well as levies on non-residential parking spaces and motor vehicle registration fees in order to fund their road and public transit systems, reduce traffic congestion and cut greenhouse gas emissions. What’s your view? Do you think road tolls and fuel taxes are needed?
Whitehorse businesses slam city over lot shortage
Whitehorse’s business community criticized city council over a shortage of building lots, accusing the city of failing in its responsibility to make sure land is available for development.
A better ‘Better Way’
The TTC has announced $21 million in service improvements, consisting mostly of added bus service on some of the city’s busiest bus routes. Starting Feb. 18, the TTC will have 30 new buses on the street during the morning rush hour - 40 during the afternoon peak - and over the next year the commission is promising 500 new buses and 400 new drivers to help ease toronto’s transit crunch. “The new, improved service will result in less crowded vehicles and more convenience to our customers at all times of the week,” said TTC chair Adam Giambrone. “These increases are just the first in many that will be made this year.” What’s your view? Will the service improvements make any difference to your commute? Are you tempted to leave our car at home and take The Better Way?
Man charged over daughters’ deaths appears in court
A man charged in connection with the freezing deaths of his two young daughters made a brief appearance in court Wednesday.
Solar eclipse-chasers booking seats on North Pole flight
Eager skywatchers are sparing no expense to get the best views of this summer’s total eclipse of the sun, with some booking flights around the High Arctic to watch the celestial phenomenon unfold before their eyes.
Stop or GO?
The union representing GO Transit bus drivers and ticket agents says it’s not a matter of if, but when, its members will go on strike. A notice on the union’s website says the company will not be making any further offers and the union executive will meet Thursday to “determine when we will commence job action against the employer.” A final attempt by the company and the union to negotiate a new agreement failed on Wednesday. Unionized workers have been without a contract since June 1. It means nearly 1,200 bus drivers, ticket agents, office workers and maintenance crews could go on strike with 48 hours notice. Although GO train crews are not part of the same union - and GO trains will continue to run in the event of a strike - delays are expected. Do you use GO Transit? How will a strike affect your daily routine? Should public transit drivers be declared an essential service? What’s Your View?
Gas in the GTA
Gas prices in the GTA continue to climb. As of April 16 it was clocking in at about $1.17 a litre. Even before this increase, the latest MJ Ervin & Associates survey showed the average price of regular across Canada is at its highest level in almost three years. And its not just in Canada. South of the border, the latest AAA survey shows average price of regular gasoline is at a record high, $3.38.6 US per American gallon. What do you think is fueling the rise? Are rising gas prices forcing you to make changes? Will it affect the way you use your vehicle? What’s your view?
