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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPD-046-00 DN:P046-00 THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON REPORT Meeting: General Purpose and Administration Committee ~~)"..-/ File # C 1/ 0 Res.# / - -00 Date: 11onday,11ayl,2000 Report #: PD-046-00 FILE #: PLN 23.10.2 By-law # Subject: REMOVING ROADBLOCKS - A STRATEGIC TRANSPORTATION PLAN FOR THE GTA AND HAMILTON-WENTWORTH GREATER TORONTO SERVICES BOARD (GTSB) PLN 23.10.2 Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report PD-046-00 be received and endorsed as the Municipality's comments on "Removing Roadblocks - A Strategic Transportation Plan for the GTA and Hamilton- Wentworth"; 2. THAT a copy of this report, the GO Station Location Study (1993), and the BOWillanville West Main Central Secondary Plan and Urban Design Plan be forwarded to the GTSB for their consideration; and 3. THAT a copy of this report be forwarded to the Commissioner of Works and Commissioner of Planning for Durham Region. 1. BACKGROUND At its meeting on February 4, 2000, the GTSB approved the circulation of the Strategic Transportation Plan for the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton-Wentworth to member municipalities and other stakeholders for comments by April 3, 2000. Subsequently, on March 3, 2000 the Board adopted the recommendation from the Transportation Committee that the recommended Actions for Implementing the Draft GTSB Strategic Transport Plan be circulated for comments and that the deadline for comments be extended to May 15"'. 644 REPORT NO.: PD-046-00 PAGE 2 The Plan was prepared as part of the GTSB's mandate to promote co-ordinated transportation planning throughout the GTA and Hamilton-Wentworth particularly with respect to transit. The purpose of the Plan is to provide the framework for developing a co-ordinated transportation system for the GTA and Hamilton and to facilitate discussions with potential funding partners. The Plan is also intended to serve as the starting point for more detailed planning on specific transportation facilities and related services. The impetus for the preparation of the Plan is the need to address a number of challenges facing the GTA and Hamilton-Wentworth. Rapidly growing population base, the need to maintain the competitiveness of the area to ensure jobs are available for the growing population, and maintaining the quality oflife in the area are all important triggers. 2. DISCUSSION 2.1 HiKhliKhts of the Plan The GTSB Strategic Transportation Strategic Plan emphasises getting the most efficient use of the existing roads and transportation network by enhancing the existing system within short term and expanding it in the long term. It has two main thrusts: - enhanced movement of goods and services and an aggressive focus on transit. A summary of the draft Strategic Transportation Plan is contained in a presentation prepared by the GTSB (Attachment #1). Recommended Actions for Implementation are also appended (Attachment #2). The draft Plan has five elements: . building a GTA - wide transit network including GO Transit, rapid transit and feeder bus services; . a co-ordinated approach to the planning and delivery of inter-regional transit services; 645 REPORT NO.: PD-046-00 PAGE 3 . building a GT A - wide goods movement network including expressways, arterial roads, rail and intermodal freight facilities; . optimizinig the use of existing assets; . phased implementation of the elements ofthe system. The Plan identifies seven key GT A transit corridors that can accommodate a mix of transit services and that can be upgraded over time. It also identifies transit gateways where motorists might be encouraged to switch to transit for the remainder of their trip. Various strategies such as priority signals or exclusive lanes are proposed that would give transit an advantage over automobiles. GTA east from BOWillanville through Oshawa City Centre, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and Scarborough City Centre to Don Mills station on the Shepherd subway line is identified as one ofthe seven corridors. To improve transit use, the Plan calls for improved GO Transit rail service on all existing lines, including enhanced rush hour service and better all-day service. Specific service improvements are listed for various lines and new service and extensions of service are also identified. Extension of the Lakeshore East line to Bowmanville, as well as enhanced GO Bus services to Newcastle, are identified. The Plan also calls for full service to Oshawa. Another element of the Plan is a proposal for a co-ordinated approach to the planning and delivery of transit services between GO Transit and the sixteen individual transit systems currently in operation. Co-ordination of transit fares, routes and services are proposed. The Plan proposes specific improvements to the road network which would facilitate the movement of goods. The extension of Highway 407 to Highway 35/115, and construction of a connecting expressway from the proposed Highway 407 to Highway 401 east of Courtice are identified as future expressways. 646 REPORT NO.: PD-046-00 PAGE 4 2.2 Staff Comments Staff believe that traffic congestion is the most important transportation problem facing the GTA today. Increase population and economic growth in the future will likely exacerbate this problem. It is felt that the draft Plan is a first step in the right direction in dealing with the current and future transportation problem in the GTA. Recognizing that additional analysis needs to be undertaken to implement some of the proposed initiatives, staff is generally supportive of the Plan as presented. Notwithstanding this, the following are specific comments on the key thrust of the Plan: a) Although it is agreed that transit improvements can contribute towards the efficiency and sustainability of the entire transportation system, it should be recognized that this solution may not be efficient or effective in the suburban/rural areas. The report needs to examine further the appropriate level of automobile/transit mix in suburban areas and funding should be provided for roadways as well as transit where warranted. b) The Plan indicates that the various proposed initiatives will be phased in over a number of years, but gives no indication of cost, funding sources or timing for each element of the transportation system. In order to assess how realistic the Plan is, more information is needed on cost and funding strategies and timing for phasing in the various strategies. This aspect of the work is proposed to be completed by 2005. c) The success of the proposed Plan is dependent on a radical shift from automobile dependency to transit use. A number of strategies are proposed to enable this shift to occur, however, the plan does not propose a strategy to educate the public about the use and benefits of transit. Education and marketing strategies must be planned and implemented to encourage greater use. 647 REPORT NO.: PD-046-00 PAGE 5 g) d) A GT A Transportation Centre should be identified in BOWillanville where the , future GO Rail line intersects with the Highway 2 transit corridor. The Bowmanville West Main Central Area Secondary Plan provided for a GO station and bus station on lands at the south end of Clarington Boulevard. e) The GTSB Strategic Transportation Plan should provide for the early acquisition of appropriate lands for a BOWillanville GO Station. The GO station site was identified in 1993. As development activity continues in the BOWillanville West Main Central Area, the protection of these lands will become increasingly difficult without a solid commitment to acquire the site. f) The Plan identified property taxes and development charges as the main funding mechanisms for GO Transit. The Plan, however, is not clear on how the development charges will be apportioned amongst the municipalities affected. It is our view that any development charges should be weighted towards those areas that accrue greater benefits. Municipalities should be kept involved in the further development of this Plan to ensure co-ordination particularly with respect to corridor protection. The Clarington Public Works Department has reviewed this report and concurs with its contents. 3. CONCLUSION Staff support the efforts of the GTSB in preparing the Strategic Transportation for the GTA and Hamilton-Wentworth. However, it should be cautioned that a balanced approach is critical to success as a transit focussed solution can only be effective in areas with large masses of densely population. Alternative solution may have to be found for lower density suburban/rural area. 648 REPORT NO.: PD-046-00 PAGE 6 Respectfully submitted, Reviewed by, , C.. r~~~ D' rome, M.C.I.P., R.P.P. Direc r of Planning & Development BN*DC*df Franklin Wu, M.C.I.P., R.P.P. Chief Administrative Officer. 25 April 2000 Attachment #1 - Presentation on Strategic Transportation Plan draft GTSB Attachment #2 - GTSB - Recommended Actions for Implementation 649 . ATTACHMENT .1 .' -i<,J.,....:,;eit-.... Aii.;llihPd..~ ., Y' ~ ;1'./,". --.- . . -...-. .;:~ ...,.-... ! ~~. '... ..~ .... Alt.. .~~~ - . . "'.----.-..' . -.:' .;;>;:' ~_.._____i- *' Greater Toronto Services Board . The Greater Toronto Services Board has released a draft Strategic Transportation Plan for the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton- Wentworth for discussion and comments. . This presentation explains the foundations of the draft Plan, describes the key elements of the Plan, and outlines how the GTSB is consulting with people and stakeholder organizations across the GTA and Hamilton-Wentworth. 650 .GTA Uamilton-Wentworth Challenges · Growth · Economic competitiveness · Natural environment · Quality of life · Infrastructure investment The GTSB Strategic Transportation Plan was drafted in view of some important challenges facing the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton- Wentworth. . Accommodating high rates of population growth . Maintaining the competitiveness of the area to ensure that jobs grow along with the population . Protecting the integrity of our natural environment . Ensuring that our quality of life is maintained as we grow . Investing in the infrastructure we need to achieve all of these objectives 2 651 Anticipated Growth · 2 million more people by 2021 · 1.4 million jobs · 1 million additional vehicles · 5 million additional trips per day This area is facing some of the highest growth in North America. . Growing at a pace of 100,000 people each year, it is anticipated that another 2 million people and 1.4 million jobs will be added to the GTA/Hamilton- Wentworth area by 2021. . In the next 20 years, it is anticipated that another 1 million vehicles, making an additional 5 million trips each day will be added to the GTA/Hamilton- Wentworth Area. Congestion is already a threat to our quality ofJife and economic competitiveness. This growth shows the importance of addressing our transportation issues today. 3 652 GTAIU-W Today · 5.1 million residents (46% of Ontario's population) · 2.7 millionjobs · 50% of gross provincial product · 21% of gross national product · 2.78 million vehicles · 10 million trips per day . The challenges facing the GTA and Hamilton-Wentworth affect all of Ontario and all of Canada. . This area already has over 5 million people and 2.7 million jobs, representing nearly half of Ontario's population and a significant proportion of the economic activity in Ontario and Canada. . Nearly 3 million vehicles in the GTA and Hamilton-Wentworth are already generating 10 million trips per day, moving people, goods and services. 4 653 Overcoming congestion is important to the movement of goods in the GTNHamilton-Wentworth area: . 70% of expressways are congested during peak periods . With free trade, the importance of moving goods within the region and to and from the US has grown substantially, with over 75% of our exports travelling by trucks on our roads and expressways. 5 654 More people and more jobs mean more travel- especially east to west across the GTA as employment centres grow in every city and town. 6 655 The official plans of GTSB member municipalities, which guide the location and pattern of development over the next 10-20 years, provide the basis for the draft GTSB Strategic Transportation Plan. The pink shading on this map shows the existing and designated urban areas as identified in the official plans. The map also illustrates the importance of the rural and agricultural areas (in brown), valleylands and other green spaces (in green) and the Niagara Escarpment and the Oak Ridges Moraine (in white). 7 656 Removing Roadblocks To Continued Economic Prosperity For the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario and Canada A Strategic Tnnsportation Plan For the GTA and Hamilton-Wentworth January2{}{)O . The Province and municipalities have been working on transportation issues in the GT A and Hamilton-Wentworth for several years - this Plan builds on all of that work, but is the first time a proposed plan has been prepared for public discussion. . The Plan is the result of considerable work by GTSB staff in collaboration with a team of professionals drawn from across the GTA and Hamilton- Wentworth. . The Plan provides the basis for co-ordinated planning of all parts of the inter- regional transportation system - expressways, aiierial roads, GO rail and bus, rapid transit and feeder buses - all are important and service levels on one influence conditions on the others. . A strategic and practical approach has been taken, making the most of existing transportation infrastructure. . The Plan is a starting point intended to engage members, stakeholders and public in a focused dialogue. . It has two major thrusts: 1. Enhanced movement of goods & services 2. Aggressive focus on transit 8 657 Transportation Investment Partnership . required for implementation . federal, provincial and municipal governments · fundamental to economic competitiveness . vital to Canada's greenhouse gas commitments . long term, stable investment . GTSB transportation accord . Implementation of a GTSB transportation plan will require a transportation investment partnership of the federal, provincial and municipal governments and involvement of the private sector in the search for solutions. . Municipal governments in the GTA and Hamilton-Wentworth do not have the capacity to address our transportation crisis alone, having only two funding sources available - property taxes and development charges. Just to meet the estimated funding shortfall of $800 million per year would require a property tax increase of$1 0.6% or a "transportation development charge" of approximately $7,500 per new housing unit constructed. . Ensuring the economic health of the GTA and Hamilton-Wentworth is vital to the economic future of theprovince and the nation. The area already represents half of Ontario's economic activity and nearly 60% of the growth. The area accounts for one-fifth of Canada's economic output and nearly 40% of the nation's population grov.1h. , . Overcoming congestion in this and other urban regions is also key to improving the quality of our air and to meeting Canada's international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. . Implementation of the plan to address congestion and maintain our competitive edge over competing urban regions in the U.S. will require a long term commitment to stable levels of investment in the transportation network in the GTA and Hamilton- Wentworth. . The Greater Toronto Services Board and its member municipalities are working in collaboration with private sector and community stakeholders to focus the provincial and federal governments on this issue. At the February 4 meeting of the Greater Toronto Services Board, public and private sector stakeholders representing well over 30,000 groups, businesses or individuals signed an accord calling for adequate, long-term and stable investment in the transportation network serving the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton-Wentworth. Signatories to the Accord include, among others: Air Canada, the Bank of Nova Scotia, Sun Media Corporation, York University, Humber College, the Urban Development Institute, the Toronto Real Estate Board, the Ontario Traffic Conference, the Ontario Road Builders Association, the Carpenters and Allied Workers Union, the Learning Enrichment Foundation, the Canadian Urban Transit Association, the Ontario Chambers of Commerce and boards of trade and chambers from Toronto, Hamilton, Burlington, Milton, Halton Hills, Mississauga, Brampton, Richmond Hill, Ajax~Pickering and Greater Oshawa. . The Plan provides the basis for these discussions with the federal and provincial governments. 9 658 Strategic Transportation Plan · GTA transit network · Co-ordinated transit · GTA goods movement network · Optimizing existing assets · Phased implementation The Plan has five elements: . A GT A-wide transit network including GO Transit, rapid transit and feeder bus services running on the arterial road system . A co-ordinated approach to the planning and delivery of inter- regional transit services in the GTA and Hamilton-Wentworth . A GTA-wide goods movement network incorporating expressways and arterial roads, rail and inter-modal freight facilities . Provisions for optimizing the use of existing assets . An emphasis on the phased implementation of elements of the system 10 659 GTSB__....._____ LO:'IiG-TER." ~, ,,>--~,.-' - -----.. - -"~----"-- ...... ------ _ ~__'_ _....._-............~............, fl ....._c- .......--- iIioOi5 GO__ + --- The long-term GTA transit network is shown on this map. . The network ofGTA transit corridors, shown by the blue lines include some form of transit in separate rights-of-ways, be they priority bus routes, streetcars or subway extensions . Services and facilities in each corridor are proposed to evolve as ridership grows. The Plan proposes the development of implementation strategies for each corridor, setting out a phasing program and criteria to guide the timing of each phase 11 660 Enhanced GO Transit rail services on all existing lines, especially during peak hours are a key element in the Plan, with the first priority being.... 12 661 . . . the expansion and improvement of Union Station. This is necessary to enhance its role as the most important inter-modal transit centre in the region. In fact, the expansion of Union Station is required for any significant improvements to the GO rail network. 13 662 . The Plan identifies a series of GT A transportation centres, where different modes intersect and co-ordinated transit and customer services are offered. 14 663 The Plan also proposes: . Improved feeder bus services into GO Transit rail and rapid transit services, including GO Transit bus services to smaller urban centres, . A network of transit priority routes with measures to speed the flow of buses in mixed traffic, and . Enhanced connections to Pearson Airport, including connections to the Georgeto"TI GO line and links to transit corridors to the north and south of the airport These elements of the transit network in particular depend on ensuring a high quality network of arterial roads throughout the GTA and Hamilton- Wentworth 15 664 Co-Ordinated GTA-Wide Transit · Service co-ordination · Transit fares · Customer information · Planning The second element of the Plan relates to the co-ordination of transit services across the GTA and Hamilton-Wentworth. This includes building on existing service co-ordination across municipal boundaries, moving toward more convenient and co-ordinated arrangements for transit fares across jurisdictions, providing more accessible information,on transit schedules, routes and fares across the GT A and Hamilton- Wentworth, and taking a more integrated approach to planning for interregional transit services. 16 665 GTSB.....______.__ l.tJ:'\(;.TF.R:'ot(!llZl")I;()l;lIr.;.\l<lVE.\lf.'T:l:F-1'l1HlRlO: -- ~---~_., -~"'"~ --. ......~-- -<<r_......- --- .. ....,.....'"-,-"', () """-----,-" + - ~ -.....-....... .f. ........_""" '0 -- "'"'>.~fA""""'......"""".'" . The Plan identifies a GTA goods movement network comprising expressways, arterial roads, rail routes, connections to airports, ports and intermodal freight facilities. A number of key connections are identified, including extensions of highways 404,407,410,427, and the Lincoln Alexander Expressway (Red Hill Creek Expressway). . A number of expressway widenings at key bottlenecks are also anticipated. . The Plan recognizes the need to improve connections to key border crossings along our vital trade corridors. . The Plan emphasizes the need to complete and maintain the highway and arterial road networks as the basis for moving not only goods, but also people, transit and professional services such as courier and delivery. 17 666 A number of measures are proposed to optimize use of existing infrastructure: . The preparation of full life-cycle cost estimates for all infrastructure, as the most cost efficient way to expand the capacity of transportation system . Improved co-ordination of traffic management systems, and approaches to managing traffic incidents like accidents . Measures to reduce growth in transportation demand, including comprehensive system of commuter lots, measures to support ride-sharing, and parking and pricing strategies to support transit and higher occupancy vehicles, and . Protection of corridors and sites for long-term transportation needs, including future interchanges on expressways, future rapid transit aligrnnents and stations, and commuter parking and bus access facilities 18 667 "- Implementing Actions Approved for 2000 - Transit corridor analysis - Goods movement analysis - Transportation investment strategy - Integrated transit information systems - Co-ordinated GO development charges - Critical expressway congestion points - Harmonize EA processes The Greater Toronto Services Board has approved some key work needed to move forward with implementation. . A transit corridor analysis to sort out phasing and priorities in the GT A transit network will be designed to meet first phase EA requirements . A goods movement analysis to provide essential information on the origins, destinations and movements of goods and services, needed to move forward on strategic improvements to the network . A transportation investment strategy to engage the federal and provincial governments in a partnership needed to implement the plan . The development of an integrated transit information system, using digital mapping, to afford transit riders with easy access to information on the routes, fares and schedules for cross-boundary trips . Co-ordinated actions and development charges for GO Transit expansion, identification of short-term improvements need to address existing congestion points in our expressways, and harmonization ofthe federal and provincial environmental assessment process to avoid costly duplication of time and effort 19 668 2000 Pending Adoption. Of Strategy · GO Bus service options for 10 years · Union Station design and phasing · O.P. Protection ofGTA Transit Corridors · Transit co-ordination protocol · Municipal endorsement of vision and objectives Once the GTSB has adopted the Strategic Transportation Plan, a number of further actions are recommended: . Identification of options for improving GO Bus service over the next 10 years . Development of detailed design and phasing plans for the expansion and improvements to Union Station . Protection of the GTA transit corridors set out in the Plan through municipal official plans, as they come up for review . Adoption by the Board, GTSB municipalities and transit operators of a protocol on matters relating to interregional co-ordination of transit services . Endorsement by GTSB municipalities of the vision and objectives set out in the Plan 20 669 2001 . GO improvements & long-term strategy . gateways & commuter lots . bus feeder services & priority transit . corridor protection . transit co-ordination priorities . specialized transit/transportation · goods movement . incident management . freeway traffic management system Recommended actions in 2001 build on the work completed in 2000: . Commencing implementation of the GO Transit 10-year capital program . Preparation of action strategies for GO enhancements beyond 10 years, and a range of specific elements of the Plan . Extension and improvement of the freeway traffic management system by prOVInce 21 670 Beyond 2001 · long term land use/infrastructure co-ordination · transportation centres · transit operators sharing/collaboration · co-ordination/extension of traffic management systems · demand management program · rail corridor rationalization · co-ordinated capital program . Based on work completed in 2000 and 2001, actions over the next few years include the preparation of implementation strategies for remaining elements of the Plan and development of a long-term co-ordinated capital program based on agreed upon priorities. 22 671 Consultation · Broad circulation and web site access: www.gtsb.on.ca · Collaboration with municipalities · GTSB hearings in April · Comments by May 15 · GTSB consideration in June . This Plan is proposed as a starting point for public dialogue on the future transportation system in the GT A and Hamilton- Wentworth. . Consultation is vital to building consensus around the Plan and the need for a transportation investment partnership to enable implementation. . At its February 4 and March 3 meetings the Greater Toronto Services Board agreed to circulate the Plan and recommended actions for implementing the Plan widely for comments from municipalities and stakeholders, and directed staff to report back to the GTSB Transportation Committee at the end of May on the comments received. . The Plan being widely circulated and has been posted to the GTSB web site at www.gtsb.on.ca. . Public consultation on the Plan is being undertaken in collaboration with GTSB member municipalities, who are consulting with local stakeholders as appropriate. . The GTSB Transportation Committee will be scheduling dates in mid-April to hear from individuals and organizations who wish to make a deputation on the Plan. Information on those hearings will be posted to the GTSB web site. Those who wish to register for a deputation should contact the GTSB directly at 416-338-2989 or toll free at 1-877-335-3319. . Written comments to the GTSB are due no laler than May 15, following which the GTSB, through its Transportation Committee, will consider the results of the public consultation and recommendations for revisions to the Plan. 23 672 ~,~I~":lJ. l'l!ii:;:::'o~~>,:tt:,i~Ci,~~ . ., - . t W':~ ~ ~ J .. ..' ...Ii!iIa.. ~ ~.=;:... -'I.--.~ = -;r ~ . ::o-!-c-' . :~~>'< g.~-... "......-.. ,~ ".~....~.' Greater Toronto Services Board . A key step will be Board adoption of a revised strategic transportation plan as its first infrastructure strategy under the GTSB legislation, based on this document and the input gained from member municipalities and through the consultation process. The first opportunity for the Board to consider adoption of the strategy will be in June. 24 673 C\I ... I- Z UJ ~ J: ~ 0<- -..j +:>- A-l Appendix A GTSB Strategic Transportation Plan - Recommended Actions for Implementation The following table sets out forty recommended actions, organized according to the sections of "Removing Roadblocks," the draft GTSB Strategic Transportation Plan for the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton-Wentworth. For each action, the table indicates the partners who would be involved in implementation, the recommended time frame for completion, an explanation of the purpose of the action and, for those actions recommended in the year 2000, funds required and part of the staff recommended budget request for Transportation Committee initiatives. Actions already approved by the GTSB or the subject of a separate GTSB decision-making process already underway (e.g., consideration of the GO Transit lO-year capital plan) are noted. Plan Recommended Actions Implementin Timing Explanation Fnnding reference g Partners (Year) Foreward 1. Engage the provincial and federal governments in a GTSB and 2000 will link implementation of the Included in Transportation Investment Partnership through tnember plan to the need for $50,000 budgct continuation of a collaborative effort with member rnunicipalities transportation investment request for municipalities, key private sector and cOlnmunity with key partnerships to ensure long transportation stakeholders, the Federation of Canadian stakeholders, term, sustainable investment in funding Municipalities and other large urban regions in FCM, othcr thc transportation network in strategy Canada. Canadian city- the GTA and H-W. regions, provincial and federal governments 2. Prepare a program of transportation projects of GTSB and 2000 provides a co-ordinated GT A- Included in intcr-regional benefit in the Greater Toronto Area membcr wide perspective to incorporate $50,000 budget and Hamilton-Wentworth to be communicated to all municipalities into municipal priorities for request for GTSB member municipalities for consideration in federal and provincial transportation prcparing their submissions for the anticipated infrastructure funds funding federal-provincial-municipal infrastructure program. strategy 0"- --..J Ul A-2 Appendix A Plan Recommended Actions Implementin Timing Explanation Funding reference g Partners (Year) 3. Prepare a submission for the anticipated federal- GTSB, GO 2000 ensures that GO Transit Included in provincial-municipal infrastructurc program, T ransi t system improvements are $50,000 budget comprising GO Transit system improvements, based considered for provincial and request for on the GO Transit 10-year capital plan and including federal funding under tbe transportation Union Station as the first priority. infrastructure program and funding provides a vehicle for strategy highlighting thc provincial and fcderal interests in tbe expansion and improvement of Union Station and the GO system Introduction 4. Prepare a GT A-wide strategy to co-ordinate long GTSB in 2002- will support implementation of term planning and phasing ofland use, transportation cooperation 2004 municipal plans and provide a and infrastructure. with member . GTA-wide platform for future lTIunicipalities plans, helping to minimize growth in transportation needs and support the transit network with higher density development in key locations Transit Is Fundamental Enhancing 5. Adopt the GO Transit to-year plan as the basis for GTSB 2000 to provide for improvements GO Rail capital investments (to be considered by Finance & in GO services and to allow for Services Administration Committee on March 31 and April the preparation of development 28, 2000). charges by-laws forGO Transit services .r ~ -.....J ~ A-3 Appendix A Plan Recommended Actions Implementin Timing Explanation Funding reference g Partners (Year) 6. Identify priorities, allocate funding, begin property GO Transit 2001 + to implement the plan's acquisition and cOIn me nee construction of elements priority of enhancing service on in the GO Transit 10-year plan on an incremental existing GO Rail lines basis as warranted by ridership and GT A transportation network objectives. 7. Co-ordinate the preparation of development Regional 2000 to minimize duplication of charges by-laws for GO Transit se.rvices. 11lunicipalities, costs and ensure a strong and City of consistent basis for all Toronto and development charges by-laws GO Transit for GO Transit services 8. IdcntifY options for new GO bus services in key GO Transit 2000 to grow transit ridership in key corridors over the next 10 years. corridors where higher order transit is planned 9. Prepare a long term GO rail and bus service GO Transit 2001 will provide the basis for phasing strategy (i.e., beyond 10 years), including corridor and site protection and priorities and phasing for: long term context for shorter - enhancement of peak services, two-way and all-day term infrastructure and service services, including interim use of buses; decisions - new stations, station relocations and ilnprovements to existing stations, including inter-modal connections, bus access and commuter parking; - bus setvices connecting smaller urban centres to GO rail stations and other parts of the GT A transit network - additional trains and buses; - expanded or new maintenance facilities; and - corridors and lands to be protccted, including for potential stations on potential lines. A - 4 Appendix A CJ"- -----l -----l Plan Recommended Actions Implementin Timing Explanation Funding reference g Partners (Year) Union Station 10. Approve the purchase of Union Station involving GTSB, GO 2000 required to implement GO Transit (approved by GTSB Feb. 4,2000). Transit and enhanced GO services and City of Union Station's role as the Toronto GTA's multi-modal transportation hub 11. Direct GO Transit to prepare a detailed plan, GO Transit in 2000 to provide the most cost- dcsign and phasing strategy for Union Station collaboration effective Ineans of irnproVClnents to 111aximize opportunities for GO with the City accommodating GO service service, including: of Toronto and and the basis for approaching - expanded tracks and platforms; TTC provincial and federal - enhanced pedestrian connections; and governments for funding - development of the bus terminal. GTA Transit 12. Request GTSB member municipalities to protect GTSB and 2000 + to ensure coordinated planning Corridors GT A transit corridors through official plans as they member for GT A-wide transit services are reviewed. municipalities and protection of GT A-wide transit needs A- 5 Appendix A 0- -..J = Plan Recommended Actions Implementin Timing Explanation Funding reference g Partners (Year) 13. Design and undertake a transit corridor priorities GTSB with 2000 and to move forward from the $75,000 and phasing strategy, including: l11ernber 2001 strategic transportation plan to budget - compilation/review of existing corridor analyses; municipalities a capital works program and to request for - staged implemcntation of a specific set of transit and GO maximize the benefits relative study design itnproven1cnts over a specific time period; Transit to costs of new investments in and $200,000 - a transportation demand/supply analysis for each GT A transit services and to prepare radial corridor served by existing or potential GO infrastructure strategy Transit services, plus GT A Transit Corridors, (subject to including connections to Pearson airport; approval of - for each priority corridor, identification of phasing study for service evolution, transit and infrastructure design) reg uired to support corridor service and staging, key station elements, and connectivity and feeder service requirements. -establishment of GT A-wide priorities for implementation, property protection and costing -meeting first phase environmental assessment rcquiretnents. GTA 14. Prepare a strategy for GT A transpottation centres GTSB, 2002- to support incremental Transportatio where different transit services inter-connect, member 2004 development of the GTA n Centres including: identification of prioriry centres; services municipalities, transit network as a fast, to be provided to transit riders; actions to ensure GO Transit convenient, integrated system prioriry access for feeder buses; and actions to and transit and to take maximum integrate those transportation centres located in operators advantage of phased designated urban development centres with improvements to the GTA surrounding land uses and to support pedestrian transit network access and planned development. a--. --..J '-D A- 6 Appendix A Plan Recommended Actions Implementin Timing Explanation Funding reference g Partners (Year) 15. Prepare a GTA gateways plan, including property GTSB, 2001 to identifY priorities for protection and a phased implementation strategy member minimizing traffic volumes on coordinated with improvements to GO Transit municipalities, key expressway corridors by services and other transit services and mceting the GO Transit providing opportunities for requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act and Province transit use for parts oflonger (MTO) distance trips GOBus See #6 and #7 above. Services Transit 16. Prepare a comprehensive strategy to enhance bus GTSB, 2001 to address the critical link Priority feeder services into the network of GO rail, rapid member between local transit systems Routes transit and GTA transit corridor services, addressing municipalities, and the GT A-wide transit targets for scrvice levels, options for priority GO transit and network, including GO Transit signalization, reserved lanes and other transit priority transit servICes measures; the investment required for additional operators equipment and operational improvements, station improvements and other measures necessary to improve the connection between various transit services. 17. Prepare a strategy for phased establishment of a GTSB, 2001 to coordinate efforts to network of priority transit routes and HOV lanes on member improve the speed and key expressways and arterial roads, focussed on olunicipalitics, convenience of transit enhanced connections with important origins and GO Transit, movements across boundaries destinations, supporting the GT A transit network transit and official plans and based on analyses of congestion operators and points, costs and benefits. Province (MTO) Connections See #13 above. to Pearson Ai rport I ~ = <=:J A-7 Appendix A Plan Recommended Actions Implementin Timing Explanation Funding reference g Partners (Year) Integrated See # 13 above. Planning and Staging Co-ordinated Transit A Fast and 18. Adopt a GT A-wide transit service co-ordination GTSB, 2000 to provide a consistent Included in Convenient protocol, based on the strategic plan, as a shared 111ember framework for translation of $50,000 Choice of framework for co-ordination of services. municipalities, GT A-wide transit objectives to budget Travel GO Transit each municipality and operator request for and transit transi t co- operators ordination Co-ordinated 19. Set priorities for enhanced GT A transit service GTSB, 2001 to guide efforts over the next 2 Transit in the co-ordination across municipal boundaries, including member to 5 years to improve GT A and proposed phasing, costing and revenue sharing municipalities, H-W arrangements to maintain revenue neutrality for GO Transit operators on implementation. and transit operators 20. Identify and implement opportunities for transit GO Transit 2002- to maximize efficiencies in the operators to share operational information in real and transit 2004 provision of GT A cross- time, share equipment and collaborate on purchasing, operators boundary services maintenance and training needs. 21. Prepare a strategy to improve coordination of GTSB, 2001 to enhance the mobility of specialized transit and other transportation services, member senior citizens and people with based on analysis of the demand, opportunities and municipalities disabilities across the GT A and barriers to serving GTA cross-boundary trips. and specialized Hamilton-Wentworth transit operators 0"- ca A- 8 Appendix A Plan Recommended Actions Implementin Timing . Explanation Funding reference g Partners (Year) Integrated 22. Prepare a strategy to incrementally improve the GTSB, 2001 to improve the convenience of Transit Fares integration of transit fares and fare media member using the GTA transit network municipalities, GO Transit and transit operators Integrated 23. Update and build on the conclusions of the GTSB, 2000 to maximize opportunities for Included in Custooler Transit Integration Steering Committee on the member transit riders to make best use $50,000 Information regional Ride Guide, coordinated telephonc municipalities, of existing co-ordinated budget information and interregional signage, including: GO Transit services and enhancements to request for - recommendations on key issues like ongoing and transit service co-ordination as they transit co- project funding, technology, private sector operators are implemented ordination participation and formal arrangements for the ownership and sharing of assets and the opcration and ongoing maintenance of the data base; - development of a geographic data base for providing coordinated transit customer information and trip planning; and - alternative means of accessing this infonnation, including the internet and kiosks in public venues. lntermodaj 24. Prepare a strategy for the location and sizing of GTSB, . 2001 to ensure that commuter lots Integration commuter parking lots to support the phased member are used to build transit implementation of the GT A transit network and municipalities, ridership, especially in priority including expansion of commuter lots along existing GO Transit, GT A transit corridors, to and new expressways, including Highway 407. transit ensure that they support operators and efforts to improve feeder bus the Province services, and to implement (MTO) ridesharing and carpooling programs .' 0'. co f'...) A- 9 Appendix A Plan Recommended Actions Implementin Timing Explanation Funding reference g Partners (Year) Planning and 25. Investigatc, as part of the review of thc GTSB GTSB in 2000 to provide the tools needed to Delivery of requircd under the Grcater Toronto Services Board consultation effectively co-ordinate inter- Higher Order Act, revisions in thc GTSB's mandate to providc with member regional transit across the GT A Transit clcar responsibility for planning and co-ordination of municipalities and H-W intcr-regional transit services, including the and transit distribution of funding, costs and revenues to opcrators operators related to inter-regional cross-boundary services. (for consideration by Strategic Planning & Review Committee as part of the review of the GTS13) A-tO Appendix A 0--. = v-.J Plan Recommended Actions Implementin Timing Explanation Funding reference g Partners (Year) The Movement of Goods and Services A Strategic 26. Prepare a multi-modal analysis of goods and GTSB and 2000 and to provide information needed $100,000 Goods services movements and trade corridors in the GT A member 2001 + to establish strategic priorities included in Movement and Hamilton-Wentworth, including: municipalities for planning, policy budget Network - a comprehensive review of how the provincial in collaboration development and investment in reg uest expressway and municipal arterial road networks with the transportation infrastructure to function together and with other modes to serve the Province facilitate the efficient and movement of goods and services; (MTO), timely movement of goods and - detailed freight data and analyses of patterns and federal servtces trends in facility location, origin and destination truck government, rnovements, trip generation rates, travel times, the Data sizes of trucks and c'"go types; Management - the emerging role of intermodal facilities; Group and - characteristics and implications of aggregate haulage; industry - issues and barriers to goods and services 1110venlcnts; - impacts of trade routes and border crossings; - development of a commodity flows model to allow for ongoing goods movement analysis; - consolidation and mapping of traffic cordon counts across the GTA and H-W; and - analysis of that sector of the service industry which is dependant on road travel, ego courier, inter-city buses, local delivery and maintenance services, including an industry survey to establish the scale and issues affecting this sector. " 0'- CD .p. A-ll Appendix A Plan Recommended Actions Implementin Timing Explanation Funding reference g Partners (Year) 27. Develop a plan to enhance specific elements of Province 2001 to address existing and the goods movement network, including expansion (MTO), anticipated future barriers to or extension of highways and arterial roads and federal the efficient movement of improved connections to freight and inter-modal government in goods and services terminals, based on the comprehensive review of the collaboration movcment of goods and services. with the GTSB, member lnunicipalities and the industry 28. Develop a short term plan to identifY and address Province 2000 to address existing major the most critical expressway congestion points (MTO)in congestion points affecting affecting GTA and H-W movements of goods and consultation goods movement GT A-wide services. with GTSB and trade corridor connections and member to border crossings municipalities Optimizing Existing Assets Asset 29. Develop an assessment framework for GTSB, 2001 to facilitate the preparation of Managemcnt transportation infrastructure proposals which mClnbcr asset management plans to includes life-cycle cost estimates, including municipalities minimize costs and disruptions operational, maintenance and rehabilitation costs. and Province due to repair and maintenance (MTO) Traffic 30. Extend and improve the freeway traffic Province 2001+ to quickly help to address Management management system to all GTA and Hamilton- (MTO) and existing congestion points on Wenlworth expressways, including Highway 407 and Highway 407 the expressway system at key points on all trade corridors to U.S. border ETR Corp. crossings, with first priority to the QEWand Highway 401 west corridors. 0-. CD Vl A-12 Appendix A Plan Recommended Actions Implementin Timing Explanation Funding reference g Partners (Year) 31. Co-ordinate the frceway traffic management City of 2002- to maximize the GT A-wide systems operated by the City of Toronto (Gardiner Toronto and 2004 traffic management benefits of Expressway and Don Valley Parkway) and the Province both systems while minimizing Ministry of Transportation (400 series highways and (MTO) costs QEW). 32. Investigate the possibility of extending the GTSB, 2002- to maximize the GT A-wide freeway traffic management system to key parts of melnber 2004 traffic management benefits of the arterial road system whieh connect and provide municipalities the system alternate routes to frecways in highly congested and Province corridors. (MTO) 33. Prepare a GTA-wide incident management GTSB, 2001 to minimize the impact of strategy co-ordinating the actions of the various member incidents on the efficient flow jurisdictions and agencies who respond to provide municipalities, of people and goods procedures and equipment to quickly clear accidents emergency and spills, provide real time information to the media services, and the public, and directing travellers to appropriate Province altcrnative routes. (MTO) Transportatio 34. Develop a comprehensive GTA-wide GTSB, 2002- to make maximum use of n Demand transportation demand management program to member 2004 investments in the existing Management include telecommuting, flexible work hours, municipalities, transportation network by employer-funded transit passes and subsidies, transportation reducing the growth in riclesharing programs, parking policies and pricing agencies, automobile traffic, particularly strategies. Province during peak periods (MTO), community and private sector organizations 35. Scc #24 above. r < A-13 Appendix A 0"- co 0'. Plan Recommended Actions Implementin Timing . Explanation Funding reference g Partners (Year) Phased Implementation Protection of 35. Prcpare a GT A-wide transportation corridor and GTSB, 2001 to protect the opportunitics to Future site protection strategy to identify and recolTIlnend Inelnber implement the GTA Corridors and means of protecting: corridors required for municipalities, transportation plan Sites enhancement, expansion or extension of the GT A transportation transportation network; sites for transit stations, agencies and including parking and bus access facilities; and access Province to and from airports, ports, truck tcrminals, rail (MTO) yards and inter-modal facilities, and providing the basis for technical feasibility studies meeting the requirements for Environmental Assessment approvals. Freight Rail 36. Investigate opportunities to rationalize the use of GTSB, GO 2002- to ensure that the public sector Rationalizatio existing rail corridors. Transit and 2004 is prepared to seize n member opportunities to enhance municipalities transit that may emerge from changing market conditions affecting the railways Service 37. Prepare on overall phased implementation GTSB, GO 2005 + to consolidate the results of all Implcmclltatio strategy for the GT A transportation network based Transit, detailed work into a clear n on the analyses completed for each element of the member program of infrastructure system, including a co-ordinated GT A-wide long municipalities investments term capital program for elements of the GTA and Province network identifying costs, funding sources and (MTO) approvals needed. A-14 Appendix A 0-.. CD -...,J Plan Recommended Actions Implementin Timing Explanation Funding reference g Partners (Year) Consultatio 38. Receive the draft GT A Strategic Transportation GTSB in 2000 to gain public input on the Plan n Plan and circulate it to all member municipalities and collaboration and possible revisions prior to other stakeholders for comments by May 15th, 2000 with member adoption as a GTSB strategy and report back to Transportation Committee at municipalities under the Greater Toronto their May 26'" 2000 meeting (approved by the GTSB Services Board Act on February 4'''. 2000, with comments requestcd by April 3, 2000). . Guiding 39. Endorse and adopt the GT A transp0l1ation vision GTSB and 2000 to provide a consistent basis for Principles, and objectives. member planning and transportation Vision and municipalities decisions affecting the GT A- Objectives wide network 40. Request the provincial and federal governments Province 2000 to ensure all environmental to harmonize the provincial and federal processes for (MOE) and considerations are evaluated cnvironmental assessment approval for infrastructure Federal together and to avoid and conduct them simultaneously. Government unnecessary delays in approval (Environment processes Canada) " -,