Ontario’s economy isn’t what it once was, it may never be again, the Ontario government is scrapping a plan to subsidize hybrid buses as some cities replace aging diesel-burning models and London taxpayers might hit the roof if asked to support hybrids by themselves.
["Richmond St., London. We had a great trolley system a few decades ago!"]
Because environmentally-friendlier hybrid buses cost $230,000 more than a diesel burner, debates about how to spend money in tough times will surely get kicked around City Hall.
Are people fed up (“up to their eyeballs”) with paying for environmental protection as transit commissioner Gary Williams suggests? (Apr. 6 issue of the London Free Press)
["Now I recommend you buy comfortable shoes"]
Should Londoners consider paying the higher price for hybrids because the environment and communities are worth protecting as Councillor David Winninger suggests?
In this space I’d like to say the following:
First, the money is out there.
If Londoners can send millions upon millions each year upon cigarettes, sodee pop, cookies, candy, beef for the BBQ, pets, cars, cellphones, movies, walk-in closets, stretchy pants and homes bigger than needed - then hybrid buses are surely affordable.
Second, Deforest City used to be home to an electric-trolley system.
Whatever happened to it? Why?
Had it been maintained, would we be in this pickle re diesel-spewing buses?
.
2 comments:
Interesting. ... I have a similar postcard of that site from the same era and same photographer, but titled something like 'Richmond Street and Dundas looking forward to Richmond Row and wondering where's Sammy Souvlaki's'?
Hi Sonny,
The streets were certainly barren whenever that picture was taken. Not a souvlaki in sight.
I recall the trolley rails were still in place in 1968 along Richmond and turned east onto King. But I'm not sure if the trolleys were still running then. Do you recall seeing any? Of course, you're lots younger than me but might have a good memory of such things!
Cheers,
GH
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