Mayor Ford Putting the Emphasis on the Right Place for Toronto

I think the entrance of Rob Ford into the mayor's office has ushered an era of common sense in city hall, much like Premier Harris did at Queens Park in the 90's. As an act which is as symbolic, the great City of Toronto has changed its PR tagline.

Under Mayor Miller, it was:

“Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto’s government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents. For information about non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."


The new tagline under mayor Ford is:


Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. Toronto’s government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It's nice to see city hall dropping vacuous statements about being diverse and green and focusing on its true mandate, of providing a range of municipal services efficiently and adequately.

It will be nice to see some real changes that extend beyond a PR tagline. It all starts in the city's self perception, hopefully it will trickle down to us! (SOURCE: NP)

-QP

TTC: Toronto's Clogged Arteries

I almost didn't believe when I read this on the post:

 Toronto's public transit workers are being warned not to sleep on the job and to "be alert" in anticipation of a possible tour of the system by Mayor Rob Ford. The warning sent out to ticket collectors in a telephone message Monday night says the Mayor's office has received a report about employees sleeping on the job. "It was a reminder to everyone to do their jobs, to be courteous and professional," said TTC spokesman Brad Ross. "The intent of the message was generic.... It's really that simple." In January 2010, a TTC ticket collector became the subject of an internal investigation after a rider snapped a photo of him sleeping on the job. The photo went viral when posted to the Internet and prompted a string of bad publicity for the commission.

It seemed too much like a joke... But no! The TTC has to remind a labor body of public servants that they should not sleep on the job.

 

When some big shot comes to inspect his workers quite often their immediate supervisors will remind them to be on their best behavior, look busier than usual, etc. For the TTC the standards are not as high. Simply being minimally conscious is enough. But we shouldn't be pushing them too hard... they might strike again! 

 

Premier McGuinty has indicated that he is willing to work with Toronto mayor, Rob Ford on declaring the TTC an essential service, and thus taking away employees' right to strike.  Meanwhile, the new city administration is reminding the union thug in chief of his true size. Additionally, a fare hike (seems to be the only thing the TTC can do predictably is to increase fares ) was averted.

I have to admit that I was a little skeptical Rob Ford can bring much change. I am quite impressed so far, as he was able to deliver on a few key promises. While his attempts to declare the TTC an essential service are a much needed breath of fresh air for the city, this is not a viable long term solution. The long term solution is first of all to make the TTC an independent entity responsible entirely for its funding (will prevent them from bogging down the rest of the city's budget and forcing them to cut inefficiency), and ultimately, put it in capable private hands. Hey! I am OK with someone making a profit off of me if I am getting a good service in return.

-QP

1,001 Reasons to Take The Car

For the second time today I am waiting ridiculously long time for the TTC express route, which is scheduled to come every 5 to 10 minutes.

What a joke!

Earlier I decided to call and complain. The lady on the other side of the line seemed blissfully unaware of the type of service Torontonians are used to...

I encourage everyone to call the commission at 416-393-INFO and complain every time the bus is significantly late.

Another great thing to do is to contact your councillor and beg them to privatize this abomination.

More when I finally get home!

-QP