Investing in transit = MORE JOBS!!!
So, Windsor has been asked by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to submit a list of “Shovel-Ready” infrastructure projects they want to receive funding for.
Seeing as we are suffering from the highest unemployment rate in the nation, I wonder if they are going to actually look at the job-creation capabilities of the projects they are requesting funding for as well as the long-term sustainability of them.
I feel it is my duty then to let them know of this article before they decide which projects to submit for funding, because as author Carli Paine (transportation program director for TransForm) states; “Public transportation is far more than a social service for people without cars. The truth is that buses, trains, and ferries are an integral component of local and regional economies“.
“In fact, public transportation creates 19 percent more jobs than the same investment in building roads or highways, according to an analysis of a 2004 United States Department of Transportation jobs creation model. And, according to the California Transit Association, for every $1 billion invested in new public transit projects, some 31,400 jobs are created and $3 billion is pumped into the local economy.
The figures make a lot of sense when you consider the difference in these endeavors: building new roads and expanding highways mostly involves paving over dirt, with some amount of construction of raised flyovers and interchanges. Extending a rail line means manufacturing the rail and the rail cars, then laying them, and after they are laid, on-going operation of the train. Similarly, new bus lines involve vehicle and parts manufacturing and long-term operations. Because most transit agencies also have Buy America policies, public transportation investment creates industry jobs in the United States, as well as construction jobs—on-going operating jobs are an added plus.”
So councillors, please think not only of the environmental, social and financial benefits of investing in a better transit system, think about those of us who have lost their jobs in this city and want to find work here in Windsor . This is a win/win/win/win program which needs your support.
Tags: Alternative Transportation, City Council, local economic development, mobility, subsidization, transportation costs
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Genius.
So how do we lobby to have someone take this request seriously? How will we ensure that someone at the city sends the proper paperwork?
I think we need this badly…and I know that someone on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee is also involved in Transit Windsor…does he know about this “Shovel-Ready” infrastructure project request?
I don’t know if Denny knows. Denny?
Truth be told, I think this is rather 11th hour of me. At this past council meeting, Halberstadt requested that the RDVIP (Riverside Bike Lanes) be put on the list but Francis shot him down. Francis threw the request over to administration who then told Halby that it didn’t fit the criteria as it was more than 120 days from being “shovel-ready”
We would need to put forward immediate transit projects for funding - something I am unfamiliar with as I’m not in the “loop”. Does anyone know of any “shovel-ready” transit projects that can be put forth for federal funding?
Windsor caught with our pants down. What a shame or a failure of leadership (whatever you want to call it).
I’m reminded of the saying, “If they didn’t see it coming what makes you think they will know what to do when it gets here?” City council is oblivious to the dramatic and rapid changes happening around us. I’m afraid; I think there is no option except change.
The moral argument
Financial Recap
The world financial system has collapsed because the so-called growth of the last decade was not real. Tens of trillions of dollars of wealth has been lost. Huge sums of government money is needed to keep from anarchy.
The Problem
Our gluttonous inefficient way of life is unsustainable.
Fiscal Molestation of Future Generations
If we do not use the huge sums of government money, that future generations will be saddled with, to change our gluttonous inefficient ways than it amounts to fiscal molestation of future generations and I want no part of it.
I just hope that if they do invest in mass transit it isn’t any more buses. As it is they are taking over block after block of downtown with their filthing engines running (idling for 20 minutes sometimes) and their oil leaks dripping into the drainage. Great design for the bus station when it can’t handle the amount of buses it receives (wasn’t this another Eddie idea where they plopped it where it stands because they wre running out of time for their funding? Last minute Eddie strikes again).
How about bringing in some light rail whether steet cars or trolley?
I am not surprised that Eddie shot him down. For one it wasn’t Eddie’s idea and two, he hates Halberstadt so therefore anything that Halberstadt states regardless of the benefits it will be shot down by the king. Politics at it’s worst!
ME: Travel to Ottawa and stand at the corner of Mackenzie and Rideau. Now that is “block after block” buses, especially during rush hour. And they are only just thinking about putting a transit tunnel under downtown Ottawa. Windsor is no where near that level.
Seems people in Windsor will complain about the smallest of inconveniences.
Graston’s Cartoons
http://www.windsorstar.com/opinion/editorial-cartoons/index.html
Let’s compare populations shall we Vincent Clement? There is a big difference in the amount of buses each city parks and lets idle.
When I bought my house we were assured that the bus station was going to be kept within design guidelines to fit into the existing neighbourhood. It didn’t happen.
When the plans were released we were told that the bus statin would originally face the parking garage (I brought up the point that if it faced Church St who in their right mind would want to live across from it when they build the urban village. It didn’t happen.
The neighbourhood also asked if the existing land acquisition would be enough to park buses and be the main terminal we were told that there was plenty of room for buses to park on the land. Again, that hasn’t happened.
Now we have tour buses that park and idle in a parking lot NOT designed to have those buses there. These tour buses come into the neighbourhood at all hours of the night.
I understand I live downtown and I know we will have to deal with a bit more inconveniences than the suburbs but this isn’t why I moved here. I have been sold a lot of fake goods by this city and I am tired of it. how do we get people to move to downtown when the city takes no action (when they could remedy it very easily) when it’s downtown residents have a complaint?
If you don’t mind waking up at 1:00am or can’t open your windows due to deisel exhaust coming into your house then may I suggest YOUR neighbourhood be the parking lot for the buses? It is after all only a “small” inconvenience.
Vincent, in fairness to ME, Rideau and Mackenzie in Ottawa is not a residential neighbourhood - it is mostly retail; with the Rideau Centre, La Baie, hotels, etc. at that corner.
What is really lacking with the bus terminal are two points:
1. The Environmental Master Plan of the city suggests anti-idling measures for city vehicles. Buses should not be sitting at the transit terminal for 10 minutes idling. (Especially considering councils arguments about diesel fumes).
2. Create a buffer zone - separating the terminus area from the vacant land - either a berm, or a stand of trees in conjunction with a aesthetically pleasing sound wall.
As far as tour buses are concerned, can they not park in the Caron Avenue parking lot next to CBC? OR on the riverfront away from residential areas?
And please take no offence ME. You live on the fringes of a mixed commerncial/residential area. Some noise etc are to be expected - though mitigated where possible.
I think the overall point is that we have plans, etc., that council bastardizes in the name of political expendiency when in the long run, end up biting them in the butt.
The terminal is there. That’s not going to change. But we can make it better.
No offence taken Chris.
I knew it woundn’t be a quiet day in the county living downtown. In fact we don’t have many issues with noise (except the buses that pass by all the time now, including those coming and gong to the garages on N. Service Rd. Yes, they take residential streets to get there).
Caron ave parking lot is reserved for St. Clair College students. I don’t understand why they 1) can’t park in front of the casino on the waterfront parking lot (since they are for the casino patrons). 2) How about the parking lot on Pitt St behind the Art Gallery? Why they have to park in a residential area is beyond me?
Could the city not expropriate some of the 20 year+ vacant land off of Glengarry/Marentette and have the buses park there? From what I can remember I do not see residents in any of those areas (though I could be wrong).
We sure can make the terminal better Chris but the will isn’t there. As for plans, I am still waiting to see them implement the CIPs where the response from citizens was “staggering” (according to Councillors Jones and Postma).
But what do I know? I am just complaining about small things when I should be cheerleading Greenlink, tunnel acquisitions, more arms-length corporations, back door pay increases and instead be like the rest of the lemmings.
This city is in such a mess what isn’t there to complain about? I want a better city, the status quo doesn’t sit with me anymore. What is wrong with that?
Didn’t say anything was wrong with that.
I”m sure administrators - and there are a good number of them - who are equally frustrated that their expertise, passion, ideas, are discarded.
The city is in a political mess. There are a great number of good things about the city, that yes we should be highlighting.
But of equal importance, is improving those things over which we have complete control. And if councillors cannot see that, or will not see that, then we remind them on election day.
In terms of the issue with the terminal, unfortunately, much like the east-end arean - they are fait accompli.
How can we improve these? What can we do to move this forward?
Trust me, I’m equally as frustrated as you on many issues facing the city.
In the end, its the residents who build a city - not the politicians.
What has astounded me, is that despite (or is it in spite of) the current political reality - residents are organizing. Sharing thoughts and ideas. Becoming vocal.
I may not agree with some positions - as some do not agree with mine - but residents are becoming much more active and outspoken. This is a good thing.
It’s getting the councillors to listen. And if they do not, we know what we have to do.
Despite everything, I have great hope given this new energy and passion emerging. We have our problems and our issues. We need to talk about them. Find common ground and find solutions.
Just because someone is “elected” does not make them an expert or more knowledgeable. I think a majority of councillors have forgotten that.
Keep at it, ME.