I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my concerns regarding
Ontario Bill 212, the "Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024." As someone who commutes to Toronto regularly ttc + biking to work in addition to driving, I believe this bill will not achieve its intended goal of reducing gridlock and will instead create new problems.
Firstly, the bill's approach to addressing gridlock is short-sighted. We need comprehensive and forward-thinking strategies that include expanding and improving public transportation infrastructure.
Investments in reliable and efficient transit systems will entice more people out of their cars, leading to a more sustainable and less congested urban environment. Metrolinx is accountable to your Ministry and yet the significant cost overruns, quality issues, lack of transparency, and the years long delay in opening is where the Ministry should be focusing. Especially as Metrolinx is currently in the process of building the infrastructure for the Ontario line. Traffic congestion caused by that project is considerable but also understandable given the priority of public transportation. Your Ministry should be focused on transparent, and on time delivery of that project instead.
Secondly, the removal of bike lanes represents a waste of public funds. Municipalities like Toronto have invested significantly in cycling infrastructure to promote safer and more sustainable transportation options. Reversing these investments is not only fiscally irresponsible but also counterproductive to long-term transportation goals. I do not want my tax payer dollars spent dismantling perfectly good infrastructure that taxpayers have already invested
And lastly, removing bike lanes will not alleviate traffic congestion. In fact, it may worsen it by discouraging cycling, which is a viable and eco-friendly alternative to driving. Effective long-term solutions to gridlock require better capital planning around projects like the Gardiner and the Ontario line, as well as robust investments in public transportation. Encouraging more people to use public transit and cycle can significantly reduce the number of cars on the road, thereby easing traffic congestion.
I urge you to reconsider the provisions of Bill 212 and to focus on sustainable and effective solutions to reduce gridlock.
Sincerely,
Berna