GO service a financial no-go
After over two months of the GO train service coming to Niagara Falls and going back to Toronto, I feel the economic and fiscal viability that has been debated for years can come to fruition.
The lack of patronage from and to Niagara Falls to this point has proven the extension is not economically responsible — or should I say, it is irresponsible.
There seems to be few patrons each morning paying $22 per ride to Toronto. The cost to Ontario residents via the government has to be substantially higher than any revenue, in the form of salaries, electricity and other expenses attached to GO.
There is also the question of costs associated with a deadhead trip from Toronto each day and one back at the end of the day with no passengers.
The costs for infrastructure to Niagara roads for this many people is minimal in comparison to the Toronto area.
Automotive travel times are 30 per cent to 40 per cent faster than trains, I estimate. GO trains need to change tracks at West Harbour, at a cost of time, and the trains are consistently affected by cold weather and other incidents that cause delays.
I would have to seriously doubt positive effects of the GO train coming to Niagara Falls will be felt by this region as well as taxpayers. The buses, which have more travel times, have not been affected and will continue to be the mainstay of commuter travel, at no additional cost to the province.
I also believe different travel times need to be explored to have a thorough understanding of the GO venture.
Toby Mace
Niagara Falls