Tell Canada to Clean Up Toronto's Air-Rail Transit
A few years back Toronto area taxpayers thought they were paying for a relatively clean airport express system that "wouldn't cost them a nickel," says MP Mike Sullivan in a recent Toronto Star op-ed.
Now, Toronto residents are stuck with over $1 billion in bills for a dirty diesel air-rail that's hijacking their public transit system.
Metrolinx, Toronto area's government transportation agency, says the agency has no other option but to employ the use of diesel trains for now, because there's no time to install electric lines in time for the 2015 Pan Am Games.
But Clean Train Coalition says this is no excuse. On top of dangerous air pollution and excessive noise, CTC explains on its official website, diesel trains are unable to make frequent stops needed to meet public transit demands.
As the CTC says, "Our communities should not suffer for years with the pollution and noise from more diesel trains because of a two-week sporting event."
Tell Toronto to clean up its air-rail transit!
We, the undersigned, respectfully request that you address public concern over the use of diesel trains for air-rail transit in the Toronto area.
We understand that taxpayers funding this system are not only under-served by the exorbitant costs of using diesel vs electric trains, they are also being exposed to dangerous environmental pollutants and excessive noise.
We also understand that Canada is now the only country, worldwide, using diesel trains for airport link, and we believe it is time for diesel transit to GO!
We ask, at the very least, that those impacted by this polluting practice be allowed a forum for discussion and debate of the facts concerning risks, benefits, and alternatives to this outdated mode of transportation.
We appreciate your serious and timely consideration of this serious environmental and social concern.
