QUEEN'S PARK — Ontario NDP Shadow Minister for Public Transit Tom Rakocevic (Humber River—Black Creek) is calling on the Ford government to finally get a handle on Metrolinx, after news broke that the cost of the Ontario Line has more than tripled to a staggering $34 billion:
"Metrolinx is completely off the rails," said Rakocevic. "Less than a week ago, we learned of the $1.4 billion per kilometre cost of building the Ontario Line's Pape stretch. Now, a transit line that was supposed to have a $10 billion price tag has more than tripled in cost, and transit riders still have no clue as to when they'll be able to use it.
"After eight years of the Ford government, the cost of building transit in Ontario has become totally out of control, while Metrolinx and their unaccountable army of vice-presidents and high-priced consultants continue to underdeliver on timelines and service.
"Both the Ford Conservatives and Metrolinx have had long enough to get this situation under control. It is long past time for a full public inquiry into Metrolinx, and for a transit system that will get Ontarians moving without these massive cost overruns."