Transportation funding is a shared responsibility

THORNHILL, ON, Feb. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - Nearly half of Ontarians spend over an hour commuting to and from work, by vehicle or transit, each and every day. As the region continues to grow, this already long commute is expected to increase over the next five years.

And that's why CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) believes any solution to funding infrastructure in Ontario should be a shared responsibility.

A recent Members Matter survey, of approximately 5,000 CAA members in southern Ontario, shows 72 per cent agree that the source of funds for new and expanded transportation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) should be shared among taxpayers, residents, road users and transit riders.

Similarly, 88 per cent of those surveyed also say any new money generated and collected for transportation, should be dedicated to infrastructure projects (e.g. bridges, highways, roads and transit). Currently, gas tax revenue collected from motorists at the pumps is not earmarked exclusively to road and highway improvements.

"In Ontario, health care and education are considered two core pillars. It's time that transportation is recognized as a third core pillar for the province. Transportation is vital to our economy, society and environment and directly impacts all of our daily lives regardless of our mode of travel," said Elliott Silverstein, Government Relations Manager, CAA SCO.

"Ontario needs sustained investment in existing roads and infrastructure projects to address the dire need for expanded transit in the GTHA, and ensure Ontario's road infrastructure network continues to be the safest in North America. We look forward to having conversations with Premier Kathleen Wynne and Transportation Minister Glen Murray on these issues in the near future," added Silverstein.

CAA SCO is an active champion of CivicAction and continues to work with other key transportation stakeholders, as well as, our members to find regional transportation solutions.

The Members Matter survey was conducted February 1 - 10, 2013.

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 5.6 million members in Canada. We're more than Roadside Assistance. We're Life-side Assistance.

SOURCE: CAA South Central Ontario

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