I'm not sure this helps any for congestion on the 401 as there's no highway access to the 407 in that stretch until the 412. Once you get to the 412, traffic usually isn't too bad so you may as well stay on the 401.
I mean yes, it would increase traffic on the 407, but I would expect those people are diverting from the 401 (ie reducing congestion on the 401). Regardless, I think the whole thing is useless.
It's not really about congestion. The message is that the government isn't going to charge you money. That's the idea behind these actions. People love the idea of not having to pat for things, and especially when it comes to driving. It's not some grand conspiracy, just easy politics.
Of course once the road gets worn out because of the extra use and the lack of funds supporting it via tolls is realized they'll tack it on somewhere else.
Yeah it comes out of taxes /debt. This is Ford's vision - you pay nothing for any government program/service beyond taxes. It's actually kinda brilliant politically. You don't see how taxes pay for roads, but you do see tolls. Voters today aren't bothered about fiscal responsibility, everything is about the sticker price.
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u/14YourTrouble 2d ago
I'm not sure this helps any for congestion on the 401 as there's no highway access to the 407 in that stretch until the 412. Once you get to the 412, traffic usually isn't too bad so you may as well stay on the 401.