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Inter-Regional Connections Will Provide Better Transit Service
QUEEN'S PARK, Aug. 13 /CNW/ - The Kipling station on the Bloor-Danforth
subway line will be redeveloped into a flagship transit hub to improve service
and better connect local communities, Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield,
Environment Minister Laurel Broten and GO Transit Chairman Peter Smith
announced today.
The new transit hub will include an inter-regional bus terminal to move
commuters more quickly and conveniently between Mississauga Transit and GO
buses to connecting Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway and GO Trains. It
will also include more passenger pick-up and drop-off.
"The McGuinty government is committed to making public transit the
preferred commuting choice. Fewer vehicles on our roads means less congestion,
less greenhouse gas emissions and, ultimately, a better quality of life for
all," said Cansfield. "By developing a sustainable transportation network, we
will offer a transit system that is second to none."
The province and GO Transit are investing $30 million over three years to
re-develop and build the new transit terminal and related facilities.
Mississauga is contributing $5.5 million to the project. The facility will be
owned and operated by GO Transit. Planning and design are currently underway
and construction will start in 2008, with completion in 2010. The station will
be fully accessible for persons with disabilities and LEED certified as a
'green building.' It will be built with renewable and low-emission
construction materials and offer commuters a public space that maximizes
natural light.
"This is a great investment in transit because people will be able to
connect conveniently and easily between three different transit systems," said
Smith. "It's going to allow us to expand bus service for GO commuters, and
that is always a positive move."
"This is good news for the environment and good news for the air we all
breathe," said Environment Minister Laurel Broten. "The expansion at Kipling
station will provide commuters with more choices, promote the use of public
transit, and help us in our collective effort to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, which contribute to global warming."
"Connecting different transit systems and different modes of
transportation to each other in ways that are convenient to the traveling
public is an essential component of leading transportation systems around the
world," said Greater Toronto Greater Toronto Transportation Authority Chair
Rob MacIsaac. "By building a place where people can easily change from one
transit system to another, or combine transit with car pooling, walking or
biking, getting around becomes that much easier."
The new Kipling transit hub fits within the Greater Toronto
Transportation Authority's mandate to bring together the province,
municipalities and transit authorities to create an integrated transportation
system across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
Since 2003, the McGuinty government has invested $4.9 billion in public
transit, including over $1.8 billion in GO Transit. In addition, this
government recently announced MoveOntario 2020, a multi-year $17.5 billion
rapid transit action plan for the GTA and Hamilton.
Disponible en français
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For further information: Media Contacts: Stephanie Kupiec, Minister's Office, (416) 327-1837; Bob Nichols, Communications Branch, (416) 327-1158; Public Inquiries: (416) 235-4686 (GTA), 1-800-268-4686 toll free, 1-866-471-8929 TTY
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