05-04-2022, 11:52 AM
(05-04-2022, 10:33 AM)robd Wrote:(05-04-2022, 08:52 AM)jamincan Wrote: Genuinely, what would Metrolinx need to do to convince people that they are actually proceeding with their plans for 2WAD service on the line? I hear criticism that they don't have a plan for 2WAD service, and when I point out that they do have a plan, the argument becomes that they have no plan to implement it, and when I point out that they've already started work that is identified as required in the plan, the argument becomes that the plan won't actually do what the plan sets out to do. Fair enough if that is true, but I haven't seen an actual criticism of the plan - ie. looking at scheduling patterns etc. If there is information along those lines, I'd love to see it.
It's not that I don't think some amount of cynicism is warranted, governments certainly pull the rug out from projects all the time, but in the cynical takes I keep seeing seem clearly counterfactual - ie. at this point in time Metrolinx is proceeding with implementing plans for 2WAD service to Kitchener. People may be skeptical about the plan, they may cynically about government commitment to the plan, but at this point in time, Metrolinx does have a plan, and they are proceeding with implementing it.
Progress feels like the hwy7 project, or Morriston bypass. Plans are renounced close to election time and then the movement is far too slow. I'm not confident that even with the correct willingness we are able to build the necessary infrastructure timely.
I would be more convinced if there was a real improvement in transit. It has deteriorated significantly with the pandemic. The fact that the region has population growth of above 2% a year, is 100km from Toronto and has no real transportation options outside of rush hour doesn't inspire confidence.
Direct bus routes would be a start, 7 days a week.
Metrolinx could definitely do better. The reduction in scheduled trips on the Kitchener Line is mystifying and bus service to Hamilton seems like such an obvious fit for Metrolinx that it's hard to understand why it still doesn't exist.
With regard to 2WAD service on the Kitchener Line, though, the business plan was only approved in March 2021, and they have already made improvements that have allowed scheduled times on the line to drop (at least that is what I've read elsewhere, and I can't say if there's since been a regression). The pessimist in me worries that it could end up being another Hwy 7, but the optimist in me takes encouragement from the fact that there appears to be progress without all the fanfare and ribbon-cutting, which hopefully means that there is more substance behind it than Hwy 7.