@doady.
Perhaps not one agency in the unified sense. But one brand for sure.
My idea about the zones is that this allows each municipality to dial up or dial down the level of taxpayer support for local transit.
The rapid transit network could probably sustain itself and if necessary impose a small region wide tax.
As for the integration of buses and subway, no reason that can't happen under a merged agency. I envision even more integration with buses from other agencies. TYSSE will be a great example of this.
But we need zoned fares eventually. We are not maximising revenue or utilisation of the system by penalising short trips with relatively high fares.
What if all TTC/MiWay/BRT/YRT buses had $2 flat fare. And then you're regional networks were zoned with an add-on?
So now my morning commute from Etobicoke to the core would cost $4-5. But my bus ride to the grocery store would cost $2. If I live downtown and ride the subway a few stops, I won't be paying $3.
I even have the option of spending only $2 and riding all the way on buses if I can't afford the subway surcharge. (Within a 2hr time limit).
That's a system that will dramatically reduce car usage in the region. And it's not so far fetched. This is basically what it's like in London, UK.
It's easy (relatively speaking) to implement this. Merge the agencies into a single brand with common fare payment. Let Metrolinx merge the subway network, Viva, Züm, etc. with GO. Create a regional flat fare for the bus services. Create zoned fares for the subway and GO network. Then have each city publish service standards and determine how much taxpayer support they will provide for those service standards.
Cities can even contract out their feeder services to private sector or Metrolinx itself. And Metrolinx can do region wide bus purchaes and manage depots. No need to now have depots for the municipality to be serviced to be located in that municipality.
Once you setup the structure the fare transition will be easy. For example, in the 416, you start with the goal of outer 416 residents paying the same with bus and subway surcharge to get downtown. Over time, keep the bus charge flat and slowly raise the subway surcharge every year.
All this, can and has been done. Nothing new. Just takes political willpower.
