Investing in transit = MORE JOBS!!!
So, Windsor has been asked by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to submit a list of “Shovel-Ready” infrastructure projects they want to receive funding for.
Seeing as we are suffering from the highest unemployment rate in the nation, I wonder if they are going to actually look at the job-creation capabilities of the projects they are requesting funding for as well as the long-term sustainability of them.
I feel it is my duty then to let them know of this article before they decide which projects to submit for funding, because as author Carli Paine (transportation program director for TransForm) states; “Public transportation is far more than a social service for people without cars. The truth is that buses, trains, and ferries are an integral component of local and regional economies“.
“In fact, public transportation creates 19 percent more jobs than the same investment in building roads or highways, according to an analysis of a 2004 United States Department of Transportation jobs creation model. And, according to the California Transit Association, for every $1 billion invested in new public transit projects, some 31,400 jobs are created and $3 billion is pumped into the local economy.
The figures make a lot of sense when you consider the difference in these endeavors: building new roads and expanding highways mostly involves paving over dirt, with some amount of construction of raised flyovers and interchanges. Extending a rail line means manufacturing the rail and the rail cars, then laying them, and after they are laid, on-going operation of the train. Similarly, new bus lines involve vehicle and parts manufacturing and long-term operations. Because most transit agencies also have Buy America policies, public transportation investment creates industry jobs in the United States, as well as construction jobs—on-going operating jobs are an added plus.”
So councillors, please think not only of the environmental, social and financial benefits of investing in a better transit system, think about those of us who have lost their jobs in this city and want to find work here in Windsor . This is a win/win/win/win program which needs your support.
Tags: Alternative Transportation, City Council, local economic development, mobility, subsidization, transportation costs
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Genius.
So how do we lobby to have someone take this request seriously? How will we ensure that someone at the city sends the proper paperwork?
I think we need this badly…and I know that someone on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee is also involved in Transit Windsor…does he know about this “Shovel-Ready” infrastructure project request?
I don’t know if Denny knows. Denny?
Truth be told, I think this is rather 11th hour of me. At this past council meeting, Halberstadt requested that the RDVIP (Riverside Bike Lanes) be put on the list but Francis shot him down. Francis threw the request over to administration who then told Halby that it didn’t fit the criteria as it was more than 120 days from being “shovel-ready”
We would need to put forward immediate transit projects for funding - something I am unfamiliar with as I’m not in the “loop”. Does anyone know of any “shovel-ready” transit projects that can be put forth for federal funding?
Windsor caught with our pants down. What a shame or a failure of leadership (whatever you want to call it).
I’m reminded of the saying, “If they didn’t see it coming what makes you think they will know what to do when it gets here?” City council is oblivious to the dramatic and rapid changes happening around us. I’m afraid; I think there is no option except change.
The moral argument
Financial Recap
The world financial system has collapsed because the so-called growth of the last decade was not real. Tens of trillions of dollars of wealth has been lost. Huge sums of government money is needed to keep from anarchy.
The Problem
Our gluttonous inefficient way of life is unsustainable.
Fiscal Molestation of Future Generations
If we do not use the huge sums of government money, that future generations will be saddled with, to change our gluttonous inefficient ways than it amounts to fiscal molestation of future generations and I want no part of it.
I just hope that if they do invest in mass transit it isn’t any more buses. As it is they are taking over block after block of downtown with their filthing engines running (idling for 20 minutes sometimes) and their oil leaks dripping into the drainage. Great design for the bus station when it can’t handle the amount of buses it receives (wasn’t this another Eddie idea where they plopped it where it stands because they wre running out of time for their funding? Last minute Eddie strikes again).
How about bringing in some light rail whether steet cars or trolley?
I am not surprised that Eddie shot him down. For one it wasn’t Eddie’s idea and two, he hates Halberstadt so therefore anything that Halberstadt states regardless of the benefits it will be shot down by the king. Politics at it’s worst!
Graston’s Cartoons
http://www.windsorstar.com/opinion/editorial-cartoons/index.html