The Southwestern Ontario…

The Southwestern Ontario region requires a regional transportation authority (similar to Metrolinx in the Greater Golden Horseshoe) to plan and integrate public transportation. Relying on MTO interpretations of needs and political influence means that necessary infrastructure and evidence-based services are not achievable.
The default of highway investment must be considered in terms of induced traffic demand and a continued growth in vehicle GHG emissions. A combination of expanded passenger rail along the two VIA serviced routes in SWO with local transit, feeder bus services and airport access are needed to manage highway congestion, substantially reduce the growth of vehicle emissions and meet growing public demand for low-carbon travel alternatives.
This approach can be incremental where costs and risks are minimized and where astute initial improvements can yield significant returns on taxpayer investments.
The federal government and CN and CP must be persuaded or incentivized to assist with provincial plans in the establishment of bus-fed High Performance Rail (HPR) in SWO. High-Speed Rail (above 200kph) should not be considered unless built adjacent the #401 corridor and not on Class 1 farmland. Needed are rail frequencies similar to those prior to VIA service reductions in 1982 as a start with Presto card or similar walk-up ticketing as an alternative to the rigidity of VIA's ticketing strategy. Ideally an hourly service between London and Toronto during peak travel hours and two hourly off-peak service should be a starting point.
With a population growth forecast of between 15% and 30% in SWO by 2041 there is significant need for new mobility options as poor mobility equates to poor economic growth and inequality.
Again, the need for a competent regional transportation authority with subject-matter professionals is essential for investment and service optimization. Such an authority should be arms-length from two senior levels of government and have the ability to base plans and investments on international best practice.