Media Advisory: CodeRedTO to host transit expansion & funding info sessions in April & May

Posted on: March 27th, 2013

Press release issued this morning:

Toronto transit advocacy group CodeRedTO will be hosting a series of public meetings about transit expansion and funding across Toronto during April and May. Our invited guests include all area councillors, MPPs, MPs, and representatives of Metrolinx.

All residents are welcome to join us at any of these events:

Thorncliffe Library, 48 Thorncliffe Park Dr – Saturday, April 13, 2:30-4:30pm
Danforth/Coxwell Library, 1675 Danforth Ave – Tuesday, April 16, 6:00-8:00pm
Richview Library, 1806 Islington Ave – Friday, April 19, 6:00-8:00pm
York Woods Library, 1785 Finch Ave W – Wednesday, May 1, 6:00-8:00pm
Malvern Library, 30 Sewells Rd – Sunday, May 5, 2:30-4:30pm

Map of locations: http://goo.gl/maps/3csnK

These Open House-style meetings will provide constituents with facts (both good and bad) on transit expansion projects, light rail and its impact, and about future funding for better transit in the GTHA. Half the time will be devoted to conversation and questions from residents, and some local councillors and Metrolinx have also offered to make presentations.

“The conversation about transit expansion has changed,” said CodeRedTO Executive Director Joe Drew. “Dedicated funding from new revenue tools and smart ideas from many sources are showing how seriously residents and businesses are taking our infrastructure needs.”

“We keep hearing that residents and businesses want to get moving,” said Cameron MacLeod, CodeRedTO Executive Director. “The time for vague discussion is over. If you’re not willing to participate in the serious conversation, then you’re going to be left behind.”

These public meetings are part of the ongoing Move the GTHA campaign, which promotes better information and funding, and more conversation on the future of transit, in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

Who has been invited? All MPs and MPPs representing the areas close to future LRT lines, any Toronto City Councillors close to future LRT lines, along with BIAs and local community organizations. Public notices are also being shared online and with nearby libraries, schools, and community centres.

For more information, please contact:
Cameron MacLeod, Executive Director, CodeRedTO
www.coderedTO.com | info@coderedTO.com | 416-779-5638

About CodeRedTO: CodeRedTO is a volunteer-led transit advocacy group in the GTHA based on the principle of better decisions through better information. We provide facts about transit modes, options, and proposals, to assist GTHA residents in understanding and evaluating transit information and ideas. We are not controlled by any transit agency, elected representative, or business. We receive funding only from Metrolinx earmarked for community conversations in partnership with www.MoveTheGTHA.com, and all other activities are funded through personal donations.

Posted in media, meetings | Comments Off on Media Advisory: CodeRedTO to host transit expansion & funding info sessions in April & May

Toronto Region Board of Trade Joins the Rational Funding Conversation

Posted on: March 18th, 2013

TORONTO, 18 March 2013 – CodeRedTO applauds the Toronto Region Board of Trade’s funding recommendations for Metrolinx’s The Big Move. Their contribution is an important part of our shared goal to help “Move the GTHA”.

“Cities around the world including Paris, San Francisco, and Vancouver have all financed transit expansion with new revenue tools. It’s time the Toronto Region catches up,” said CodeRedTO Executive Director Cameron MacLeod.

“CodeRedTO is glad to see this conversation about how to fund transit in the GTHA shift toward specific tools, and the Board’s suggestion of four viable tools is one that we support. Saying no to revenue tools for transit is the same as saying no to transit entirely, which is not an option.”

Added Executive Director Joe Drew, “Saying no to transit was never an option, really, and we’re paying for the lack of proper funding now.”

TRBOT’s proposal features four significant revenue tools to be dedicated toward improvement to transit infrastructure in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area: a regional sales tax, a parking space levy, a regional fuel tax, and high occupancy toll lanes. The business community is clearly ready to speak seriously and specifically about fighting GTHA congestion. In addition, Metrolinx has released a new detailed review of transportation funding tools used around the world to great effect.

CodeRedTO is happy to see the transit funding conversation move forward into specifics, and looks forward to the release of Metrolinx’s Investment Strategy by June 1, 2013.

 

About CodeRedTO: 

CodeRedTO is a volunteer-led transit advocacy group in the GTHA based on the principle of better decisions through better information. We provide facts about transit modes, options, and proposals, to assist GTHA residents in understanding and evaluating transit information and ideas. We are not controlled by any transit agency, elected representative, or business. We receive funding only from Metrolinx earmarked for community conversations, and all other activities are funded through personal donations.

Posted in media | Comments Off on Toronto Region Board of Trade Joins the Rational Funding Conversation

Future Transit Question of the Month: Emergency Vehicles and LRT Curbs

Posted on: March 15th, 2013

#CodeRedTO takes your questions and finds answers! This month: Will EMS vehicles have the ability to travel at full speed down the transit right-of-way after the Sheppard East LRT is constructed? (is the curb height confirmed and location of curb cuts for EMS and Fire to access the ROW?)

We spoke to both the TTC and Metrolinx, and here’s their response:

EMS vehicles will have access to utilize the Sheppard East LRT ROW when needed.  Speed limitations, curb heights and the location of curb cuts will be determined during the detailed design phase.

Got a question you can’t find the answer to? Email info@CodeRedTO.com or find us on Twitter at @CodeRedTO!

Posted in Q&A | Comments Off on Future Transit Question of the Month: Emergency Vehicles and LRT Curbs

Future Transit Question of the Month: Midland & McCowan during the SRT Replacement

Posted on: February 15th, 2013

#CodeRedTO takes your questions and finds answers! This month: Will there be a designated pick up and drop off area provided at Midland Station and/or McCowan Station when the SRT is rebuilt?

We spoke to both the TTC and Metrolinx, and here’s their response:

The current plan for the SRT conversion does not include adding a passenger pick up/drop off area at Midland or McCowan Stations.  However, as part of the conversion plan, all of the SRT stations will be built to have an accessible entrance.  Other passenger pick up/drop off areas will be improved or added as part of the plan.  The existing Kennedy Station passenger pick-up and drop off area will be modified and/or relocated as part of the station improvements.  Also, the new Sheppard East station, near Progress, proposes to have a bus terminal and passenger pick up/drop off facilities.

Got a question you can’t find the answer to? Email info@CodeRedTO.com or find us on Twitter at @CodeRedTO!

Posted in Q&A | Comments Off on Future Transit Question of the Month: Midland & McCowan during the SRT Replacement

Upcoming Workshops about the Future of Eglinton

Posted on: February 12th, 2013

Upcoming Workshops about “Designing the Future of Eglinton”

Metrolinx invites us to join them at any of three public workshops to tell them what we think about Eglinton’s future.

At these workshops, Metrolinx will present preliminary designs for the stations, including some that were not part of previous consultations.  Metrolinx will also show designs for LRT surface stops and alignments.  However, Metrolinx will not be discussing the Kennedy Mobility Hub and parts of the line that are currently under review.

Please drop by to any of the workshops any time between 5:30 and 9:00pm.  Presentation and Workshop start at 6:30pm.

 

WEST WORKSHOP

When:            Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Where:           York Memorial Collegiate Institute

2690 Eglinton Avenue West (Keele & Eglinton)

 

CENTRAL WORKSHOP

When:            Thursday, February 28, 2013

Where:           Forest Hill Collegiate Institute

730 Eglinton Avenue West (Chaplin & Eglinton)

 

EAST WORKSHOP

When:            Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Where:           Noor Cultural Centre

123 Wynford Drive (Wynford & Eglinton)

 

View the flyer here

Posted in meetings | Comments Off on Upcoming Workshops about the Future of Eglinton

Resources on Revenue Tools and Funding for Transit

Posted on: February 8th, 2013

We’ve gathered some resources for those interested in revenue tools potentially under consideration for the GTHA and future transit funding – send your additions to info@coderedTO.com!

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Resources on Revenue Tools and Funding for Transit

Feeling Congested? Have your say!

Posted on: February 8th, 2013

Interested in more consultations and discussion of revenue tools? The City of Toronto is holding public consultations on congestion as well, and they want to hear from you!

  • Etobicoke, February 4, 4-9pm
  • Scarborough, February 6, 4-9pm
  • North York, February 11, 4-9pm
  • Toronto City Hall, February 13, 4-9pm

Also available at feelingcongested.ca is the public consultation toolkit – if you can’t attend you can download all the presentation materials to review at home: Feeling Congested Toolkit

Learn more

Posted in meetings | Comments Off on Feeling Congested? Have your say!

Join the Big Conversation

Posted on: February 8th, 2013

Metrolinx is holding consultations to discuss the Big Move and how to fund it – have you had your say? Here is the events list – emphasizing the remaining events. Be sure to check one out if you can!

•    January 15 – Oakville: Halton Regional Headquarters, Bronte Room, 6-8pm
•    January 19 – Newmarket: Newmarket Community Centre, Room 1, 1-3pm 
•    January 22 – Mississauga: Erin Meadows Community Centre, 6-8pm
•    January 26 – Georgetown: Gellert Community Centre, Kinsmen Hall, 2-4pm 
•    January 29 – Ajax: Ajax Community Centre, HMS Room, 6-8pm
•    February 2 – Brampton: Flower City Seniors Centre Lawn Bowling Club, 1-3pm 
•    February 5 – North York: North York Central Library, Auditorium, 6-8pm
•    February 7 – Oshawa: Jubilee Pavilion Banquet & Conference Centre, 6-8pm
•    February 9 – Toronto: Metro Hall, Room 308, 1-3pm
•    February 12 – Hamilton: Hamilton Art Gallery, 6-8pm
•    February 16 – Dundas: Dundas Town Hall, 1-3pm
•    February 19 – Richmond Hill: Richmond Hill Centre for Performing Arts, Plaza Suite, 6-8pm

Learn more

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Join the Big Conversation

Future Transit Question of the Month: TTC Day Passes and Presto

Posted on: January 16th, 2013

#CodeRedTO takes your questions and finds answers! This month: Will TTC Day passes (or Presto Day Passes) still be available after Presto is fully implemented on TTC routes?

We spoke to both the TTC and Metrolinx, and here’s their response:

The availability of a TTC Day Pass is one of the TTC Business Requirements that has been submitted, and accepted, by PRESTO. However, at this time it is under review how the PRESTO system will be able to implement the “group function” of the current TTC day pass. For example, each individual in the “group” may be required to have an individual PRESTO day pass to travel and transfer on the TTC. These sorts of details will be worked out as we move forward with PRESTO through detailed design.

Got a question you can’t find the answer to? Email info@CodeRedTO.com or find us on Twitter at @CodeRedTO!

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Future Transit Question of the Month: TTC Day Passes and Presto

Presentation on Activism and Transit Issues at the Urban Geography class at U of T Scarborough

Posted on: July 10th, 2012

On June 25, a CodeRedTO representative presented the following slides in an Urban Geography class at the U of T Scarborough. The topics included not just transit issues and facts, but also activism in general and obstacles to Getting Stuff Done. Download a PDF of the slide deck below!

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Presentation on Activism and Transit Issues at the Urban Geography class at U of T Scarborough

How to Help

JOIN our email list to stay informed!

LEARN about Transit and why there's room for subways, light rail, and streetcars throughout our region. Combining different modes can often be a great city-building choice for the medium-density and lower-density neighbourhoods in Etobicoke, Scarborough, North York, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, and Kitchener-Waterloo.

CALL your City Councillor, and tell them that you want rational, affordable, and rapid transit in Toronto to benefit everyone, not just one small section of the city. Rapid transit to Malvern, Morningside, and Waterfront East are achievable if we learn from successful transit networks around the world.

TELL your friends and family that new rapid transit is amazing - it really is! - but unless we stabilize and grow operations funding we risk leaving people waiting for crowded buses for decades longer.

Did you know: The bus routes on Finch carry as many riders per day as the population of North Bay! Routes on Lawrence, Jane, and elsewhere also carry a huge number of riders per day. We are decades behind and need more and better transit options for our residents now, not just small extensions that use up all the budget.

Contact us at info@CodeRedTO.com

SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow us on Mastodon and Facebook