On Monday, following the release of its report concerning The Big Move, Metrolinx outlined recommendations on how to fund the proposed transit expansion within the GTA. Those recommendations include:
- A five per cent fuel tax increase;
- A one per cent sales tax increase;
- A 25 per cent per day parking levy;
- A 15 per cent increase in development fees;
The Trillium Automobile Dealers Association said that it is extremely disappointed at the proposals put forward by Metrolinx and that the $50 billion being allocated to the program could end up costing an average family of four in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas as much as $1,200 per year.
“The family car is not responsible for the lack of transit expansion in Greater Toronto and Hamilton. Governments need to stop targeting drivers to boost government revenue, and better spend and prioritize tax dollars from the province’s $126 billion and growing budget,” remarked Todd Bourgon, executive director for TADA.
The association has outlined recommendations on how to fund the new transit program, including allocating some of the $20 billion the province of Ontario is expected to receive over the next five years, based on information from page 109 of the 2013 budget report. It also says the province should consider using money from lottery and gaming revenue as well as the HST tax already applied to gasoline, to help fund transit expansion in the GTA, without having to resort to raising taxes.
CAA South Central Ontario said that while it welcomed the Metrolinx report and was pleased that dedicated funding was highlighted (a survey by CAA saw 88 per cent of members in favour of dedicated funding), it also said that it is eager to meet with Ontario Transportation Minister Glen Murray and other MPPs at Queen’s Park to ensure that the weight of the new funding doesn’t fall disproportionately on the shoulders of motorists and the general public.
