Thing is, governance is so unsexy but so important at the same time.
It's so easy to overlook because usually, bad governance structures tend to hum in the background with the problems they cause fueling the blame game, nobody ever asking the deeper question of "How'd it end up this way?".
I guess we should count our blessings that the pandemic amplified this dynamic, hopefully leading to lessons that are too loud to ignore!
The design and delivery of new infrastructure must be subject to the timetable requirements (set by the integrated planning body) and technical-operational requirements (set by whoever is to operate the line/service), with a clear point of transfer of ownership identified in the process.
Where everything becomes a trade-off rather than a set of clearly set priorities, and the responsibilities are blurred, the result turns out to be this.
It’s not just building these projects that’s confusing—it’s the lack of continuity at supposedly unified stations like Kennedy. Metrolinx signage is bilingual; TTC is unilingual. TTC maps are black and show subways, LRTs, and streetcars; Metrolinx maps are white, skip streetcars, but include regional rail. Metrolinx uses 24-hour time; a short walk and it’s back to a.m./p.m. And that’s before even mentioning the wayfinding differences!
I think the main issue in this case is TTC just not making serious wayfinding improvements for . . . decades? It would still be inconsistent, but probably slightly less.
Someone needs to agree to let the other standard be *the* standard and I think that should be TTC
Yes, they have a smart card (at least an app) via Token Transit. Because Detroit is just much closer to Windsor than to every other city, the average Windsorite would visit Detroit much more often than say London or Toronto. People (by that I mean me, and my friends) cross the border to grab hot dogs.
If toronto had a transit doomsday clock it'd be at 11:57 or :58! Officials should be aware of this and fix their bureaucratics somehow, the part you mention about HSR entering the city and not knowing who to approach for access to the city is connecting to say the least.
Thing is, governance is so unsexy but so important at the same time.
It's so easy to overlook because usually, bad governance structures tend to hum in the background with the problems they cause fueling the blame game, nobody ever asking the deeper question of "How'd it end up this way?".
I guess we should count our blessings that the pandemic amplified this dynamic, hopefully leading to lessons that are too loud to ignore!
I hope so, but there is very little talk about it
Governance doesn't have to be sexy but smooth governance is a major pre to getting things done!
The design and delivery of new infrastructure must be subject to the timetable requirements (set by the integrated planning body) and technical-operational requirements (set by whoever is to operate the line/service), with a clear point of transfer of ownership identified in the process.
Where everything becomes a trade-off rather than a set of clearly set priorities, and the responsibilities are blurred, the result turns out to be this.
Exactly.
I'm guessing we're going to get a metropolitan Toronto again, aren't we?
I wish
Just like Ottawa has the same Presto card as Toronto (ok but not so useful),
but different than Montreal OPUS card (would be more useful),
and different than Gatineau's Multi card (would be even more useful).
Well, ideally we have a single national card, which we kind of do have as more and more cities allow credit / debit payment
It’s not just building these projects that’s confusing—it’s the lack of continuity at supposedly unified stations like Kennedy. Metrolinx signage is bilingual; TTC is unilingual. TTC maps are black and show subways, LRTs, and streetcars; Metrolinx maps are white, skip streetcars, but include regional rail. Metrolinx uses 24-hour time; a short walk and it’s back to a.m./p.m. And that’s before even mentioning the wayfinding differences!
I think the main issue in this case is TTC just not making serious wayfinding improvements for . . . decades? It would still be inconsistent, but probably slightly less.
Someone needs to agree to let the other standard be *the* standard and I think that should be TTC
But I will say that in Windsor, a presto card would be worthless tbh. If anything, getting into Detroit's payment system would probably work better.
I don't see why. Does Detroit even have a smart card? Use Presto, much more sensible.
Yes, they have a smart card (at least an app) via Token Transit. Because Detroit is just much closer to Windsor than to every other city, the average Windsorite would visit Detroit much more often than say London or Toronto. People (by that I mean me, and my friends) cross the border to grab hot dogs.
If toronto had a transit doomsday clock it'd be at 11:57 or :58! Officials should be aware of this and fix their bureaucratics somehow, the part you mention about HSR entering the city and not knowing who to approach for access to the city is connecting to say the least.