Oshawa GO Station Parking. Need additional parking now!

Over the last couple of weeks (September 9-23rd, 2012) many paying GO Transit users have been ticketed or even towed at the Oshawa Go Station. We need additional parking now! People are not doing this out of laziness or disregard, but out of need. The main reasons for this need are as follows: 1) Additional Durham Region population growth: Durham region population growth has increased significantly (almost 50%) over the past 20 years. (see stats below), yet poor planning at the station has not allowed the need for parking to grow in relationship to population growth. Passengers come from all over the region, including Port Perry, Courtice, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Port Hope, Coboug and beyond due to the fact that it is the last station on the Lakeshore East Line. Historical populations Year Pop. ±% 1991 409,070 — 1996 458,616 +12.1% 2001 506,901 +10.5% 2006 561,258 +10.7% 2011 608,124 +8.4% 2) Government of Ontario Green Initiatives: For years we have been told to take public transit. Many people are trying to adhere to this initiative but being the last stop on the line many people come from other areas both north and east of Oshawa and have to drive to the station. 3) New VIA Rail Facility: With the addition of the new modernized VIA facility in Oshawa there will be an increased demand for parking. Many VIA passengers will be unable to find parking at the facility due to the fact that the parking lot is full by 7:30 in the morning. Waste of our tax dollars if new station facilities cannot be used. 4) Durham Chrysler Employees parking in Go Station Parking lot: On a consistent basis Durham Chrysler employees park in the parking lot, taking up valuable parking spots for passengers. 5) Various times needed for parking at GO Station: Many people take the train to visit many of our world class hospitals in Toronto. Appointments may occur any time of the day, yet as mentioned before the parking lot is full by 7:30 in the morning. I myself have not been ticketed or towed, so I am not just complaining about this, I feel our provincial government needs to spend our money responsibly and with full planning.