Commission on the Reform of Ontario's Public Services

Operating transportation services more efficiently
The public transit network in the GTHA is provided predominantly by a hodgepodge of
municipal operators, complemented by regional services offered by Metrolinx/GO Transit and
private intercity transportation. Recent public discussion and study on mass transit have
naturally tended towards service levels and quality; little has been done to study the
effectiveness of the current structure of transit offerings. Are the roles of the service providers
optimally defined? Is there unnecessary duplication or overlap? Are operations sufficiently
co-ordinated and integrated? Answers to these questions and others could illuminate
opportunities to deliver transit services more efficiently through means such as rationalizing
and better co-ordinating routes, services and fares; pursuing additional common
procurements; and exploring other measures to reduce overlap and duplication.
The Ontario Northland Transportation <strong>Commission</strong> (ONTC), which currently offers subsidized
transportation services in northern Ontario, 9 is different. Studies and reviews conducted over
the past several years in Ontario and other provinces illustrate how its services could be
provided more effectively and efficiently through targeted private-sector involvement.
These steps should be undertaken.
Recommendation 12-3: Where gaps in information and evidence exist, review the roles and
operations of public and private mass transit service providers in the Greater Toronto and
Hamilton Area and services provided by Ontario Northland Transportation <strong>Commission</strong> in the
north to find efficiencies in those regions’ transportation networks. Act on that evidence to
improve the efficiency of those services.
GO Transit Parking
At present, GO Transit does not charge patrons for the use of its parking facilities. While this
may seem trivial, the cost of providing parking spaces is considerable. In February 2009,
the provincial and federal governments announced a joint contribution of $500 million in
funding to GO to support major infrastructure projects, including new parking structures
throughout its network. 10 If parking is not priced and charged for, it will be overused; this
effectively penalizes those who get to a GO station by means other than a personal vehicle.
Moreover, the Toronto Transit <strong>Commission</strong> (TTC) already demonstrated that providing free
parking for monthly pass holders is not sustainable.
Recommendation 12-4: Following the precedent set by the Toronto Transit <strong>Commission</strong>,
begin charging for parking at GO Transit parking lots.
9 Rail freight, passenger services (bus and rail), telecommunications and railcar refurbishment.
10 “Prime Minister Harper and Premier McGuinty Announce Major Improvements to GO Transit System,” Feb. 17, 2009, downloaded from
http://www.premier.gov.on.ca/news/event.php?ItemID=3325&Lang=EN.
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