Ontario's Transit Investment Strategy Advisory Panel launches series of discussion papers and announces public consultations

TORONTO, Oct. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - The Transit Investment Strategy Advisory Panel announced today that it is launching a series of discussion papers and public town hall meetings in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). The first discussion paper, "Hard truths about transit in the Toronto Region," is now available for viewing and download at www.transitpanel.ca. It identifies and addresses six "hard truths" about public transit that the public needs to understand in order to make the right long-term choices.

"The transit infrastructure investments we make today will determine the quality of our lives for generations," said Anne Golden, Chair of the Panel. "However, the public debate on how to move forward with an improved regional transportation system is being impeded by a series of misconceptions. Our first paper on 'Hard Truths' corrects these misunderstandings."

Over the next several weeks, the Panel will be meeting with key stakeholders and providing opportunities for public and business input through town halls, online and social media (#TransitPanel).

Two additional discussion papers will be made available before the start of town hall meetings throughout the GTHA. Dates and locations of the meetings can be found on the website.

"We invite the public to consider the premises and questions set out in our discussion papers, and respond with their thoughts and ideas," said Paul Bedford, Vice-Chair of the Panel. "When the consultations are concluded, we will make recommendations to the Province on the transit we need and how to pay for it."

About the Transit Investment Strategy Advisory Panel

Ontario's Transit Investment Strategy Advisory Panel was established by Premier Kathleen Wynne on September 18, 2013 with a mandate to advise the Province on how to respond to the Metrolinx Investment Strategy and to engage with the public to determine whether the Metrolinx recommendations are the right ones. The Panel comprises 13 citizens with diverse backgrounds who bring relevant expertise and experience from across the region.

For more information, please visit www.transitpanel.ca.

SOURCE: Transit Investment Strategy Advisory Panel (TISAP)

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