My friend and I got talking yesterday about the whole transit mess in the City of Toronto. We'd both been to London, UK and experienced the Oyster Card- think a re-loadable transit fare card that never expires. We both dream of using a similar card everywhere we go in southern Ontario- good on the T.T.C, and good on GO transit. The Presto Card is its equivalent, and transit systems are starting to adapt to that.
We both agreed Toronto fancies itself a world class city with a somewhat less than world class transit system. We would both go ahead with Rob Ford's plan to bury the Light Rapid Transit (L.R.T) lines. It is possible to pay for it with little impact on the taxpayer simply through advertising. In London for example, there are ads all over the place- on the floor, and along the walls going down to the train levels, why can't Toronto do something like that? The one thing that is arguably at a premium is advertising space.
I think Toronto has come to a sort of crossroads with the transit issue. Yes Ford still needs to find efficiencies, and save money. But on some items I think you should spend money- and transit is one of them, if we are ever to take enough cars off the road to make a difference. If he can work with Metrolinx on finding a way to do it for a decent price, why not let him?
It's a balancing act for Metrolinx too. But one thing I do wonder about is while they're busy trying to solve Toronto's transit woes, are we in the suburbs going to be stiffed? Milton for example has needed full-day Go Train service for at least the last 10 years if not longer, and so far as I know, it still hasn't happened yet... and I'm not really holding my breath on that one.
It takes vision, and healthy amount of bravery to scrap the status quo and look at doing something new. Underneath it all I believe Toronto is a world class city. Now I hope City Council is brave enough to build a transit system to make it one.
Showing posts with label Light Rapid Transit Line. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Light Rapid Transit Line. Show all posts
Monday, February 13, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Toronto: A City of Wasted Potential?
I don't live in Toronto. I rarely go to Scarborough,and when I do, it's usually by car. Logically I shouldn't have any horse in this race, but tonight I've been trying to figure out why I'm so annoyed with Toronto City Council's decision to go along with Karen Stintz's plan to build part of the Eglinton LRT (Light Rapid Transit) line above ground.
I think it's probably that even though I don't live there; I still love Toronto- it has the potential to be the world class city it wants to. And that's what I can't stand- the city has potential, and it's never been realized. Such is the case I think with Transit.
Essentially there are two options; the first- Transit City, featuring a mix of above ground light rapid transit (LRT), and underground LRT. The first option; Stintz's plan is $2 billion under budget and would look at advancing other lines than the Eglinton. She gets points for that; saving money is a huge bonus. But I think it's fairly short-sighted. It'll save money now... but in the future will it? When completed the LRT above ground will be exposed to the elements; and that Toronto weather isn't the greatest, especially in winter. One of my parents remembers looking out their office window and seeing the Scarborough Rapid Transit frozen solid between stations. They say that passengers were lowered to street levels by ladders. I just don't think the added maintenance costs even it out.
Ford's plan is to bury the LRT by building Subways. Subways are my transportation of choice while in Toronto. They will also cost a lot more to build, and inconvenience people for a lot longer while digging the tunnels. But in the long run, I think they could save a lot of money too. On his side Ford also has Metrolinx looking to do the work, for cheaper by outsourcing it. He has signed
If it were up to me I'd pick subways. Stintz is right about one thing; the city needs a solution quickly, and that could be where she's coming from with this. Transit City is established already with some limited provincial funding. but it's a short-term fix. Ford's idea of LRT subways may inconvenience people for a while. But in the long run subways are underground; they don't block traffic or freeze during the winter. Besides, subways are what Rob Ford said he was going to do; he was fairly blunt on that subject during the election. And guess what? People still voted him in, meaning Subways are what the people want. Isn't that what democracies are all about? Listen to the people... because what they want, and what's the easiest or cheapest solution isn't always the right one.
Toronto; you have potential. Now smarten up and live up to it. It's never too late to change your mind.
I think it's probably that even though I don't live there; I still love Toronto- it has the potential to be the world class city it wants to. And that's what I can't stand- the city has potential, and it's never been realized. Such is the case I think with Transit.
Essentially there are two options; the first- Transit City, featuring a mix of above ground light rapid transit (LRT), and underground LRT. The first option; Stintz's plan is $2 billion under budget and would look at advancing other lines than the Eglinton. She gets points for that; saving money is a huge bonus. But I think it's fairly short-sighted. It'll save money now... but in the future will it? When completed the LRT above ground will be exposed to the elements; and that Toronto weather isn't the greatest, especially in winter. One of my parents remembers looking out their office window and seeing the Scarborough Rapid Transit frozen solid between stations. They say that passengers were lowered to street levels by ladders. I just don't think the added maintenance costs even it out.
Ford's plan is to bury the LRT by building Subways. Subways are my transportation of choice while in Toronto. They will also cost a lot more to build, and inconvenience people for a lot longer while digging the tunnels. But in the long run, I think they could save a lot of money too. On his side Ford also has Metrolinx looking to do the work, for cheaper by outsourcing it. He has signed
If it were up to me I'd pick subways. Stintz is right about one thing; the city needs a solution quickly, and that could be where she's coming from with this. Transit City is established already with some limited provincial funding. but it's a short-term fix. Ford's idea of LRT subways may inconvenience people for a while. But in the long run subways are underground; they don't block traffic or freeze during the winter. Besides, subways are what Rob Ford said he was going to do; he was fairly blunt on that subject during the election. And guess what? People still voted him in, meaning Subways are what the people want. Isn't that what democracies are all about? Listen to the people... because what they want, and what's the easiest or cheapest solution isn't always the right one.
Toronto; you have potential. Now smarten up and live up to it. It's never too late to change your mind.
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