When it comes to educating themselves on the myriad transit plans in front of them, Toronto voters must ask themselves a number of key questions.
The voters have their work cut out for them; there's a lot to consider.
Despite plans moving ahead for implementation of various stages of the Transit City network in the city, all but one of the leading Toronto mayoral candidates are proposing significant alterations. There is a dizzying array of proposals involving new and extended subway and light rail transit (LRT) lines, road tolls, scrapped streetcar lines and underground freeways for the voter to consider.
When it comes to Transit City, the facts are these: light rail lines along Sheppard Avenue by
2014, on Finch Avenue West by 2019, along Eglinton Avenue by 2020, along
with a new LRV-serviced Scarborough RT line by 2020. That is what is ongoing, based on a consensus between the province, the city and GTA councils.
Knowing this, here are some things to consider:
- Cost: To you, the taxpayer. What are you willing to pay for? Regardless of whether it's municipal or provincial funding, your tax dollars are in play.
- Timing: For you, the user. How long are you willing to wait for the implementation of these visions?
- Vision: For you, the citizen. Is it good for the city? Your neighbourhood? Can you see a network developing linking users?
- Political will: For you, the voter. Transit City depended heavily on funding from the province. Can Queen's Park or any future government be willing partners?
Keep in mind that when it comes to anything but the plan on the table (in this case, Transit City), the best a candidate can do is prepare an alternative for study. These plans haven't been held up to the same scrutiny as the plan in place; that scrutiny is up to all of us.
The ultimate question we need to ask ourselves is: where do we want to be?
As the cliche goes, to make transit a reality takes more than lines on a map; for example, it takes money and political will.
But to make a good, sustainable transit network a reality in this city takes even more than that. Throw in vision and foresight and maybe even some good luck.
Elections are about the voters making decisions. Transit is undeniably a key platform plank and it offers an opportunity for voters to really scrutinize what candidate they want in the mayor's chair come Oct. 25.