Transit Politics - Ontario

Auditor general concludes Metrolinx “undermined its own decision-making process and inappropriately changed its recommendations on the Kirby and Lawrence East (GO) stations” when it came under pressure from the former transportation minister and the City of Toronto. https://t.co/lXk4ECyzcD
(https://twitter.com/BenSpurr/status/1070359831091892224?s=03)

"#TorontoCityPlanning and #Metrolinx do fine until there is political #TOpoli #ONpoli interference - Read; #StevenDelDuca #JohnTory #SmartTrack - @CityPlanTO @Metrolinx @StevenDelDuca @JohnTory @FordNation"

Phil Prentice on Twitter - Dec 6'18

"Yes!!! ..... This will prove once and for all that the cancellation of the Lawrence East subway station in favour of a Lawrence East SmartTrack station was a political ploy to help John Tory justify his misguided plan for SmartTrack

I am not totally opposed to SmartTrack; some of the stations will make a valuable contribution to the overall regional transit network; but, for the most part, Metrolinx was on the right track with GO RER long before John Tory came along

My issue with Lawrence East is that a subway stop on the new Scarborough Subway Extension will better serve more riders than a GO station on what is one of the busiest bus routes in the city

If a SmartTrack station is absolutely necessary to his plan; then let him provide both"

Phil Prentice on Facebook - Dec 1'18

Ontario's auditor general has some tough questions for Metrolinx surrounding its approval of two controversial GO Transit stations, and whether or not it's delivering its project in a cost-efficent and timely manner