Does Olivia Chow = Ineptocracy

[fuji]

GO train is really set up for Bedroom communities and car culture for transit to the downtown core. Whether for work or major events. One of the things that make it work so efficiently is minimal stops. The more you put in you slow it down. Its also designed to move a large mass at once from the central hub(union) and drop to various spots where the car takes over(ever see the parking lot sizes).

You would still have express trains that would sail through without stopping. The point is that the tracks are already there. If new stations are built on side rails then the inter city express trains can fly past while the local city commuter train is stopped at the station.

It will require upgraded, computerized signalling systems and adding side rail to manage it, but if done opens up a massive existing rail network to the "TTC" without having to expropriate much land, dig tunnels, or do big environmental assessments.

I put TTC in quotes because it would make sense to merge GO, TTC, Mississauga and York transit, etc, into a single regional transit authority.

 

[MattRoxx]

You would still have express trains that would sail through without stopping. The point is that the tracks are already there. If new stations are built on side rails then the inter city express trains can fly past while the local city commuter train is stopped at the station.

It will require upgraded, computerized signalling systems and adding side rail to manage it, but if done opens up a massive existing rail network to the "TTC" without having to expropriate much land, dig tunnels, or do big environmental assessments.

I put TTC in quotes because it would make sense to merge GO, TTC, Mississauga and York transit, etc, into a single regional transit authority.

That does make sense! I wonder what the name for this regional transit authority that LINKS all the areas in and around METRO could be ...

http://www.metrolinx.com/en/aboutus/metrolinxoverview/metrolinx_overview.aspx

 

[omegaphallic]

You need to add a third option to the pull, a fuck you you childish prick, option.

 

[fuji]

That does make sense! I wonder what the name for this regional transit authority that LINKS all the areas in and around METRO could be ...

http://www.metrolinx.com/en/aboutus/metrolinxoverview/metrolinx_overview.aspx

Metrolinx is a half measure. Harris was determined to eliminate a layer of government but in reality things like transit need to be handled at a regional level. So metrolinx was born to stand in for what regional government would hsve done.

Problem is that it has no mandate, as an unelected body, when an elected mayor or council stares it down, it has to blink.

We need a regional transit authority with real authority and independent legitimacy. The TTC, YRT, etc, need to be abolished and rolled into a GTA transit authority.

Ideally one elected independently from across the region, but if that is too hard to swallow the regional councils could appoint commissioners to it on irrevocable three year terms.

 

[MattRoxx]

Further to the Ineptocracy of the thread title, MLSE's head Tim Leiweke has openly called out Rob Ford on his ineptness. This is not going to be good for the campaign.

MLSE boss Tim Leiweke calls Rob Ford out over BMO Field opposition
MLSE boss Tim Leiweke became the city’s first high-profile businessman to pick a public fight with Mayor Rob Ford over his opposition to helping fund BMO Field expansion.

In a meeting with Toronto FC season-ticket holders ahead of the team’s Saturday home opener, MLSE boss Tim Leiweke became the city’s first high-profile businessman to pick a public fight with Mayor Rob Ford.
The man in control of the Leafs, Raptors and TFC came to town from Los Angeles nearly a year ago with a reputation for two things — conciliation and getting things built. One of his favourite personal rules is that he leave no enemy behind him.
It’s a measure of his frustration with Ford’s attempt to make the expansion of BMO Field a political issue that Leiweke chose this venue to air his grievances.
Leiweke first talked about the surprisingly decent weather, before segueing to more prosaic matters.
“The other good news I had today is that the mayor’s going to vote against our (stadium expansion) plan, which probably means we win 42-2.”
This presumes the dissenting votes in council will be Rob and Doug Ford. It played for big laughs in the room.
This is presumably in reaction to an article published in Saturday’s Toronto Sun, in which Rob Ford rubbished the city executive committee’s approval of a plan to lend $10 million toward the $120 million expansion of BMO Field.
The committee voted 11-1 in favour. Ford was the sole ‘Nay’.
“It was 11-1, and the two amendments they added on were approved 12-0. And then 11-1 on the big vote,” Leiweke said, shaking his head in wonderment. “I’m still trying to figure that one out. Guess who the one vote was who said ‘No’, who voted ‘Yes’ twice for the amendments?”

MLSE is also seeking $10 million each from the province and the federal government. That money would be funneled through the city.
Ford told the Sun that he will not agree to funnel any money to the city-owned stadium.
“Of course, I love (Toronto FC),” Ford told the Sun’s Joe Warmington. “But it’s the principle.
“It should be paid for by the private sector,” the mayor continued. “It would be nice if he wanted to expand (Ford-owned) Deco Labels and have the taxpayers help us out, but it doesn’t work like that.”
In recent weeks, Ford has appeared to be of two minds about the plan, alternately calling expansion of the city-owned facility a “great” idea as a new home for his sports crush, the Argos, and also saying that it can’t include public funds.

Leiweke portrayed a very different sort of calculation.
“This is the guy (Ford) I went in and met with. He was mad at us that we didn’t go through him at first. He wanted this to be his plan. We took him through it and he said, ‘I’m for this. I want this. I’ll support you.’ (small pause) I’m extremely happy he’s not supporting us.”
Reached by phone, Councillor Doug Ford would only say that he supports his brother’s position.
“Not everyone is a sports fan, and they shouldn’t have to pay for this.”
Leiweke and the Fords have a sizable difference of opinion on what MLSE is asking the city for.
For Ford, a private company is asking for a $10 million handout.
MLSE has already announced that it plans to repay the entire amount over 20 years, including interest.
“They actually do better with this investment than they do with their pension fund,” Leiweke said.
According to Leiweke, if the renovation doesn’t happen, the arena is still facing a $30 million bill for basic repairs in the near future. By contract, that amount would be split between MLSE and the city.
So it’s either a $10 million loan to make something better, or a $15 million bill to keep something standing.

“The thing that riles me the most is when someone accuses us of a gravy train. It’s exactly the opposite,” Leiweke said, his consonants sharpening. “This is simple, smart math. And great leadership on behalf of the city manager to find a solution where the private sector steps up and takes all the risk. I’m not embarrassed by this deal. I will not let it get in the middle of a political race.”
Too late. He’s there now.

 

[Anbarandy]

^^^^^^^

So if Rob was able to splat his rotund face as the 'face' of this deal then he would be all, "the BMO deal is the greatest deal EVER. It was all my hard work, my negotiations, my fiscal management, my respect for the taxpayers that got this deal done. Leiweke told me, 'If it wasn't for you Rob, TFC would be bankrupt. You're the greatest mayor ever Rob'."

Alas Fool's Nation, your forlorn corpulent leader is once again left totally alone and bereft at the altar of reality.

All alone, watching through the windows, freezing his plump butt off in the freezing winter's wind as Crisco, that shortening company announces it's investment in Toronto a month or so ago.