The regional transportation funding dialogue moves forward

CivicAction applauds Toronto Region Board of Trade's decision to get serious and specific on funding options

TORONTO, March 18, 2013 /CNW/ - The Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance applauds the Toronto Region Board of Trade's (TRBOT) major contribution to the discussion of how to fund a transportation network to address our region's growing congestion crisis and deliver a more prosperous region.

In October 2012, CivicAction and the members of its Regional Transportation Champions Council launched a movement to build support for sustainable ways to fund an efficient, affordable, and integrated regional transportation network for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) by asking the question "What would you do with 32 extra minutes* in your day?".

In today's announcement, TRBOT proposed four ways to raise money built on key principles of dedicated, efficient, fair, and sustainable funding: regional sales tax, parking space levy, regional fuel tax, and high occupancy tolls. Its paper shows that the business community knows it's time to get serious and specific about how to address our congestion crisis.

Metrolinx also posted today a comprehensive review that examines tools used by regional transportation authorities around the world to fund transportation.

TRBOT's paper, in conjunction with the Metrolinx review, will spark discussion as Metrolinx finalizes its Investment Strategy due to the Province and heads of GTHA municipal governments by June 1, 2013.

CivicAction is continuing to engage civic leaders and residents of the GTHA in its your32 campaign, and will shift its conversation to "What would you do for 32?" in April. We are pleased to see the discussion advancing and encourage residents across the GTHA to become informed and take part in the discussion.

About CivicAction

For the past 10 years, the Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance (CivicAction) has brought together senior and rising leaders from all sectors to tackle some of our region's toughest social, economic, and environmental challenges. For more information visit: civicaction.ca, @CivicActionGTA

*Thirty-two minutes is the difference between average commute time if The Big Move is funded and built over the next 25 years (77 min), and if no comprehensive system is put in place (109 min). Source: Metrolinx

SOURCE: CivicAction

Julia Lo at 416-309-4480 x500 [email protected]