1) Do you support the…

1) Do you support the removal of market entry controls of the intercity bus industry? Why or why not?

Yes. The current system means existing licensees can block entry, even on routes they do not operate. There seems to be no proposals to provide any further form of government subsidy to intercity operators, and hence a free market is the best option.

2) What are the benefits of removing market entry controls? What are the drawbacks?

The drawback is that it removes any leverage the Province has over getting commerical operators to run unprofitble routes.

3) A system needs to be in place to ensure that all vehicles, including those carrying less than 10 passengers, are safe and properly insured when being used to transport people between municipalities for a fee. What do you think the minimum safety and insurance requirements should be for these vehicles?

As current.

4) How much of your business is currently attributed to non-urgent medical transfer (patients, supplies, etc.)?

N/A

5) Could municipalities and social and health organizations better partner with transportation providers to serve the public? If so, how?

The existance of a transit agency means the local social oganisation saves on transport costs. (For example: Ontario Works no longer have to pay for taxis to job interviews or health appointments). Municipal transit agencies should receieve at least some of money saved by Privincial social assistance funds as a result.

6) Are there any innovative services or policies currently in operation in Ontario or in other jurisdictions that you think provide a good model for how transportation networks can develop in the future?

The Saskatchewan Transportation Company provides a unified network of inter-city routes across the province.

7) Is there any other feedback you would like to provide on the issues and/or proposal outlined in this discussion paper?

Currently, certain areas of the province get Provnicially-subsidised inter-city servcies (through GO Transit and Ontario Northerland), but some do not (the southwest and east). The Province should examine whether they should operate or subsidise inter-city services in this area. One option would for the Province to subsidise inter-city services, with licensees obliged to operate these if they wish to operate commerically profitable services.

[Original Comment ID: 194126]