June 18: Latest Comments Update

Its amazing how what the public doesn’t know, in theory, wont hurt them. Toronto has endeavored into a failed business model. The city was approached by TWO companies, both of which were prepared to deliver at least on the level required for the bidding process, but the city decided, to only let one company bid. Bixi’s system is riddled with many of the same failures that have made other systems like Velib fall victim to widespread vandalism and theft. The alternative that Toronto was given during the REOI process, was a far safer, smarter, and better concept, but not good enough for Toronto. With the inclusion of a variety of measures to deter theft, vandalism, injury, to promote user friendliness, and support for the inclusion of third party services to PBS users, Toronto could have at least investigated or considered the other option. With such a huge project poised to have such a dramatic effect on the street scape and commuting you would think this would be a greater part of public dialog? Instead, the week this decision was made, motorists focused on bike lanes and lost lanes on Jarvis, when a bigger decision was being made. So go ahead, ask some questions. Do you want a bicycle system thats second class? Or do you want one that will thrive and provide a realistic alternative to our current commuting methods.
And remember, Toronto hasn’t started looking into options. They have made their decision, without consulting the public, or considering their options. City council wasn’t even involved.
Sound like a fair, public, equitable process to you?
Matias Marin
CEO Public Nature Corporation(the other company to “express interest”)
publicnature@gmail.com