Due diligence needed in transit discussions

THORNHILL, ON, Feb. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - A decision on the future of transit in the City of Toronto has long standing impacts. In light of recent studies examining the Sheppard Subway extension, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is calling for all transit discussions to be deferred until the public and key stakeholders have had sufficient time to review the reports released today. The public has been overwhelmed by a flurry of positions and media coverage.

Toronto Transit: Back on Track compiled by Toronto Transit Infrastructure Limited and led by Gordon Chong, and KPMG's Sheppard Subway Extensions are both comprehensive and wide-reaching reports. Their contents will not only impact transit in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in the short term but also in the long run.

"While we need to address the growing challenges of gridlock in the GTA, a decision on the future of transit development requires proper analysis, and must have a long-term benefit for our city and surrounding area," said Faye Lyons, Government Relations, CAA SCO.

An effective transit system, through multiple modes, helps enable a stronger road system by addressing the demands on the GTA's road infrastructure. Our membership supports transit growth and CAA SCO remains committed to the construction of a subway structure in the GTA.

"The GTA's transit needs are rapidly evolving with increased rush hour traffic in all directions and expansion of our transit system needs to reflect this," added Lyons. "These discussions have far reaching impacts and we need to consider effective transit options for today and tomorrow." 

CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club offering insurance, travel, automotive care and roadside services. There are more than 1.8 million CAA members in South Central Ontario and 5 million members in Canada. We're more than Roadside Assistance. We're Life-side Assistance. Visit www.caasco.com.

Follow @caasco on Twitter for regular updates on wait times and other news and information.

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