Commuters want tangible transportation improvements

Public seeks specifics around proposed provincial infrastructure spend

THORNHILL, ON, Oct. 7, 2013 /CNW/ - CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) members want to see improvements to their commutes and be given a clearer picture by the province of how their dollars will be spent to ease congestion.

This is according to the results of a recent survey which asked over 4,400 CAA members their opinions around improved transportation infrastructure, and the proposed costs to fund Metrolinx's The Big Move plan.

"Our recent survey highlights that many motorists feel they already pay their fair share for transportation infrastructure. The message we're hearing is clear — Ontarians want to see improvements and a direct benefit, ensuring that the money they pay helps improve their commute," said Elliott Silverstein, Manager of Government Relations, CAA South Central Ontario.

"With Metrolinx's investment strategy recommending that each household with one vehicle in the GTHA pay nearly $500 to help fund The Big Move, it is imperative that the public is well informed of the plan, and its impact on household budgets", Silverstein added.

Respondents agree that they would be less likely to pay for improvements to transportation infrastructure without seeing tangible benefits like reduced commute times and less gridlock. They noted that if they were to pay more, they would expect that the revenues collected remain in the transportation budget specifically for future road and infrastructure improvements.

CAA members also shared the following in the survey:

• Over 40 per cent of respondents supported the introduction of high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes on existing highways
• 82 per cent said they would be less willing to pay for new transportation projects if their commute did not improve
• 44 per cent of respondents who take GO Transit said they would use the service less frequently should they be charged for parking
• 70 per cent of respondents were unaware of the proposed costs to them/their household budget to help pay for Metrolinx's investment strategy
• 75 per cent of respondents believe that they are already paying their fair share towards improved transportation in the region.

For several years, CAA SCO has advocated for a portion of the HST collected on gas and diesel fuel be allocated directly to transportation improvements, and serve as one way to save motorists from further costs.

CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club offering roadside services, automotive care, travel and insurance. There are more than 1.9 million CAA members in South Central Ontario and over 5.9 million members in Canada. We're more than Roadside Assistance. We're Life-side Assistance.

SOURCE: CAA South Central Ontario

Media contact: Jeff LeMoine, Communication Specialist, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone], or Silvana Aceto, Media and PR Consultant, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone].