Many of the decisions regarding traffic and public transportation appear to be undertaken in isolation. The recent decision to pursue a ferry service from Bedford to downtown Halifax is but one example. The Bridge Commission’s musings about the need for a third harbour crossing is another and the widening of Chebucto road yet another. While there apparently is already a master transportation plan in place, it is unclear how decisions related to transportation choices are being made and to what end.
Movement is the lifeblood of cities and the ability to move people and goods from place to place directly affects and is affected by the various land-uses within the city. A city’s transportation policies need to reflect, therefore, not only efficiency, but their effects on the world around it. In light of dramatically higher energy costs, it is time for a complete review of our transportation assumptions in our view.
We believe in starting with the needs of our citizens as a basis for a transportation strategy. By managing transit, biking, automotive, bridges, rail and new options separately, we build duplication and inefficiency into our system. We believe that, with limited funding, priorities need to be established that maximize benefits for the whole population. The creation of a transportation authority, that looks at the needs of citizens and has a long-term vision, would ensure the best possible decisions for an efficient transportation system that integrates a diverse range of transportation options.