Who supports what when it comes to transit planning?

With transit funding a hot topic in this year’s municipal election, candidates have been racing to put forth their own plans for the future of public transportation in the city. With a score of issues up for debate, here’s a comparison of where the leading candidates stand on three of the city’s biggest transit projects.

 

 

Scarborough RT replacement

Downtown relief line

Eglinton Crosstown

Other

What’s planned now?

Last summer city council approved a 3-stop extension of the Bloor subway line to replace the SRT. Estimated to cost around $2.5 billion.

The TTC is currently seeking public input on a proposed study process for another line to take pressure off the already crowded Line 1.

A fully funded ($5.3 billion) 19-kilometre light rail line from Weston Road to Kennedy Station, running underground  from Keele St. to laird Dr.

  

Rob Ford

Supports current plan approved by council. Wants a 1.6 per cent property tax increase phased in over three years to pay for it.

Would build first phase from Queen St. to Pape Ave. at an estimated costs of $3.2 billion

Wants to bury the entire line. Says it would cost $1.4 billion. Would ask province, feds for more funding to do so.

Would build a $2.6 billion subway line to connect the future Finch West Station to Humber College.

Would replace planned Sheppard LRT with a subway extension from Don Mills Road to McCowan Road. (est. $1.8 billion)

John Tory

Supports planned subway extension, but wants construction to start immediately.

Favours a regional express rail system to take pressure off the subway system.

Supports current plan.

SmartTrack Line regional express rail plan promises 22 stations with five TTC interchanges by 2021 (estimated cost of $9 billion, with city chipping in a third.)

Olivia Chow

Would switch the Scarborough subway extension to above-ground rail; says the move would save $1 billion and add four more stops

Says building a relief line is a priority. Proposes city chip in a third of the estimated $3 billion cost.

Supports current plan.

Supports LRT projects on Sheppard and on Finch.

David Soknacki

Supports LRT that was outlined in master agreement

Would make it a priority and work to bring up the timeline

Says planning should be guided by professional staff

Supports current plan

  

Karen Stintz (withdrawn)

 

Committed to subway extension plan approved by council; opposes changes to approved plans.

Says relief line is number one transportation investment priority. Would pay for it through selling 51% of Toronto hydro, $3 parking levy on downtown Green p garages, parking and traffic enforcement revenue

Supports current plan.

  

(All information accurate as of Sept. 03, 2014.)

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