GO Transit

Friday August 23, 2024

The 2024 presidential race has transformed into a powerful narrative of poetic justice as Donald Trump potentially faces Kamala Harris, a Black woman, symbolizing a rejection of his divisive legacy and the embrace of a more inclusive future, highlighted by Barack Obama’s lofty critiques and Michelle Obama’s sharper, more pointed attacks.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, Friday August 23, 2024

Published in The Hamilton Spectator and The Toronto Star.

Canada’s Railway Lockout: A Call for Swift Action to Prevent Economic Fallout

The ongoing railway lockout in Canada is a critical issue that demands urgent attention. The implications of this dispute extend far beyond the immediate commuter challenges faced by thousands of Canadians daily. If not resolved soon, the economic repercussions could be profound, affecting everything from supply chains to national competitiveness on a global scale. As major rail lines grind to a halt, the need for decisive action from corporate leaders, unions, and the federal government has never been more pressing.

Every day that trains remain idle, commuters experience frustration and disruption. Many rely on rail services to travel to work, school, and essential appointments, making the inconvenience tangible and personal. But this situation is not just an inconvenience; it is a precursor to broader economic damage. With billions of dollars at stake, the longer the lockout continues, the more vulnerable Canada’s economy becomes. As businesses and industries that depend on timely deliveries suffer, their inability to meet demand can lead to lost contracts, diminished market share, and a tarnished international reputation.

News:9,300 employees locked out: Latest updates on shutdown of Canada’s 2 largest railways

Canada’s competitors, including the U.S., Australia, and Brazil, are still operating, and they are ready to seize any opportunity presented by our current paralysis. In a global marketplace that values reliability, delays can cost us not just business, but long-term partnerships and market positions.

The corporate heads of Canada’s railway companies must recognize their role in resolving this crisis. While they have a responsibility to their shareholders, they must also consider the broader economic implications of a prolonged lockout. Reports suggest that CN Railway has been slow to negotiate, missing opportunities to engage constructively with workers and unions. A proactive approach, including a willingness to negotiate fairly and transparently, is essential. By prioritizing dialogue over confrontation, corporate leaders can help facilitate a swift resolution that satisfies both labor needs and business goals.

On the union side, there must be a recognition of the need for compromise. The demands for increased wages and benefits are valid, especially considering the rising cost of living. However, the union leadership should also understand that achieving their goals requires collaboration, not just confrontation. By considering innovative solutions—such as binding arbitration or adjustments to current proposals—they can work towards a resolution that addresses worker concerns while ensuring the sustainability of the railway sector.

The Canadian federal government plays a crucial role in this situation and must step up to act as a mediator. With the stakes so high, it is time for the government to flex its muscle and demand that both sides return to the negotiating table. This isn’t just a labor dispute; it is a national issue that impacts the economy, public welfare, and even national security.

Prime Minister Trudeau’s administration has faced criticism for inaction during this crisis. It is vital that they not only facilitate discussions but also implement policies that deem the railway system an essential service. This classification would provide the legal framework necessary to prevent such disruptions in the future, ensuring that Canada’s economy remains resilient and competitive.

News: Federal government will soon take steps to resolve railway stoppages, Trudeau says

The current railway lockout poses a serious threat to Canada’s economy and its citizens. The potential for tens of billions in losses is not a distant concern; it is an imminent reality that requires immediate action. The corporate leaders of railway companies must engage meaningfully with unions, union leaders should embrace compromise, and the federal government must take a proactive stance to mediate the dispute. Only through coordinated effort can we hope to get Canada’s trains moving again and secure the economic future of our nation. The time for action is now. (AI)

 

Tuesday January 21, 2020

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday January 21, 2020

GO Transit expansion turning out to be a bumpy ride

It is too early to say GO Transit’s planned expansion might be coming off the rails. But it’s not too early to worry about whether the timing and the scope of the expansion could be in doubt.

December 21, 2019

The GO Expansion plan is intended to transform what is essentially a commuter railway into an all-day, two-way transit network with service as frequent as every 15 minutes in core areas. When fully rolled out the expansion could boost ridership from current levels of about 70 million to 200 million by 2055. It also involves electrification of core parts of the transit network.

According to documents obtained by our sister paper, The Toronto Star, provincial transit agency Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario (the agency responsible for delivering major public infrastructure projects) are being compelled to reconsider how the procurement process for the expansion is working. Companies in charge of executing the expansion are raising concerns about how the province is contracting out the work, and the amount of risk private sector bidders are being asked to assume through the public-private partnership model being employed.

September 25, 2008

The leaked documents also warn that changing procurement procedures at this point could delay the final phase of the expansion which is supposed to be complete by 2025.

Obviously, this is a big deal for the GTA which is still the heartland of GO Transit, but the threat of delays should also concern more peripheral areas such as Hamilton, Niagara, Waterloo Region and Peterborough, all targets for commuters fleeing GTA prices and congestion.

What, if any, impact will the procurement concerns have on the scope and timing of the project? We don’t know, because GO and Infrastructure Ontario aren’t saying, but it is telling that Infrastructure Ontario would not confirm whether the final phase will be completed as planned and on time. (Continued: Hamilton Spectator) 

 

Graeme’s Gallery 2014: Hamilton

The tradition continues with a whole Spectator opinion page devoted to:Graeme Gallery 2014 - Hamilton

January 24, 2014
September 5, 2014
July 9, 2014
January 31, 2014
August 20, 2014
November 28, 2014
October 28, 2014
2014 Mayoral Race
September 26, 2014
August 23, 2014
March 10, 2014

Coming tomorrow: Graeme’s Gallery, the special world edition…

Wednesday April 29, 2014

Wednesday April 29, 2014By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday April 29, 2014

Gardiner grief: delays, lane closures a sign of things to come

Long-term lane closures on Toronto’s busy Gardiner Expressway begin today and mark the start of a long-term repair project that will add extra time to an already busy morning commute for the next few years.

On Monday morning the left lanes on both the eastbound and westbound Gardiner were closed between Park Lawn Road and Strachan Avenue. The closures are part of long-term construction work on the Gardiner that will continue through to 2016.

“On my way in to work this morning, the road was already slower than usual,” CBC’s Linda Ward reported.

In the early morning hours there were further lane restrictions eastbound from the Humber River to Carlaw. Those extra closures were removed up as of 5 a.m.

Things didn’t get much easier as the morning wore on. CBC overnight reporter Tony Smyth reported stop-and-go traffic on the eastbound Gardiner at 6:40 a. m

As a result of the construction work, eastbound Lake Shore Boulevard was also very slow Monday morning.

There were also a dozen collisions on the Gardiner Monday morning, three of them involving injuries.

Other details about the long-term repair work on the Gardiner:

The work and the lane closures it creates will continue until December 2016 with a pause for next summer’s Pan Am Games.

During this period, crews will repair three bridges on the Gardiner between the Humber River and Park Lawn Road. There will also be work done this summer to replace the centre median between Ellis Avenue and Dufferin Street.

GO Transit officials say they expect the work will cause delays during peak hours on the following bus routes: 16, 21 and 31.

“You’ll definitely need to give yourself more time in the mornings,” Ward reported. “These delays are going to be the new normal for the next few years.” (Source: CBC News)

 

Friday July 22, 2011

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Friday July 22, 2011 Touch and GO on LRT MPP Ted McMeekin says thereÕs little chance Hamilton will land Light Rapid Transit unless the city makes it a priority.ÒMy read on LRT, put very simply, is weÕll take our cues from the City of Hamilton,Ó he said. ÒLet me say it as bluntly as I can: If LRT is not a priority for the city council and the citizens it represents, the province is highly unlikely to come to the table with big bucks to do it.Ó McMeekinÕs comments mark the second time this week a provincial official has stressed the importance of the cityÕs enthusiasm and desire for securing LRT. Earlier this week, Metrolinx, the regional transportation agency in charge of rapid transit, said public support will be Òcritical to successfully implementing the rapid transit this region needs.Ó Those comments come after City Manager Chris Murray and Mayor Bob Bratina signalled a move away from pursuing LRT in favour of prioritizing all-day GO service. Part of that move was to suspend all non-essential work on LRT, which means a study of development possibilities along the LRT line will be cut short and the number of city staff working on LRT will shrink from six or seven to one. This week, LRT advocates have raised concerns about how the cityÕs apparent cooling on the issue would be affected by comments from city hall. However, in contrast to his comments earlier this week, Bratina said Thursday that LRT is a priority. (Source: Hamilton Spectator) Hamilton, QueenÕs Park, Metrolinx, GO transit, Bob Bratina, Chris Murray, tain, conductor, transit

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday July 22, 2011

Touch and GO on LRT

MPP Ted McMeekin says there’s little chance Hamilton will land Light Rapid Transit unless the city makes it a priority.“My read on LRT, put very simply, is we’ll take our cues from the City of Hamilton,” he said. “Let me say it as bluntly as I can: If LRT is not a priority for the city council and the citizens it represents, the province is highly unlikely to come to the table with big bucks to do it.”

McMeekin’s comments mark the second time this week a provincial official has stressed the importance of the city’s enthusiasm and desire for securing LRT. Earlier this week, Metrolinx, the regional transportation agency in charge of rapid transit, said public support will be “critical to successfully implementing the rapid transit this region needs.”

Those comments come after City Manager Chris Murray and Mayor Bob Bratina signalled a move away from pursuing LRT in favour of prioritizing all-day GO service. Part of that move was to suspend all non-essential work on LRT, which means a study of development possibilities along the LRT line will be cut short and the number of city staff working on LRT will shrink from six or seven to one.

This week, LRT advocates have raised concerns about how the city’s apparent cooling on the issue would be affected by comments from city hall.

However, in contrast to his comments earlier this week, Bratina said Thursday that LRT is a priority. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)