12-20-2023, 11:04 AM
I think there is more at play here, and it relates back to things like classism.
While it's less true in Canada than the US (that Canadian identity at play) it is absolutely the case that many people including some in our government, look down on those who ride transit, and feel they are lesser/failures/whatever. I mean, Thatcher didn't actually say the thing, but that quote exemplifies the attitudes of many.
But like all prejudices, people will invent whatever imaginary classifications they need to justify their beliefs. GO Transit (and commuter rail in general) is not considered the same as city transit.
And if you don't like the implicit accusations of prejudice against transit riders by politicians, then you can simply remember that this is actually reflected in ridership...wealthier people who have much more political power tend to ride GO Transit more often than GRT.
So it is entirely reasonable (although not right) that politicians would support GO Transit but oppose (or at least disinvest in) local transit.
I do agree that the Milton line should be extended rather than the Guelph connection, this is a more valuable connection than the Guelph connection, but I think the politicians have just given up on that extension in light of CPs ownership.
I wish we'd have more ambitious politicians...but I also recognize that it's not unrealistic to expect very little when it comes to even GO Transit.
While it's less true in Canada than the US (that Canadian identity at play) it is absolutely the case that many people including some in our government, look down on those who ride transit, and feel they are lesser/failures/whatever. I mean, Thatcher didn't actually say the thing, but that quote exemplifies the attitudes of many.
But like all prejudices, people will invent whatever imaginary classifications they need to justify their beliefs. GO Transit (and commuter rail in general) is not considered the same as city transit.
And if you don't like the implicit accusations of prejudice against transit riders by politicians, then you can simply remember that this is actually reflected in ridership...wealthier people who have much more political power tend to ride GO Transit more often than GRT.
So it is entirely reasonable (although not right) that politicians would support GO Transit but oppose (or at least disinvest in) local transit.
I do agree that the Milton line should be extended rather than the Guelph connection, this is a more valuable connection than the Guelph connection, but I think the politicians have just given up on that extension in light of CPs ownership.
I wish we'd have more ambitious politicians...but I also recognize that it's not unrealistic to expect very little when it comes to even GO Transit.