Who supports what when it comes to transit planning
By Joshua Freeman, CP24.com
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 some of the city’s biggest transit projects.
What's planned now?
- Scarborough RT replacement. 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.
- Downtown relief line. The TTC is currently seeking public input on a proposed study process for another line to take pressure off the already crowded Line 1.
- Eglinton Crosstown. 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.
- Sheppard East LRT. A 13.6-kilometre light rail line stretching from Don Mills Road to Meadowvale Road. Originally budgeted at $944.5 million, the line is not expected to open before 2021.
- Finch LRT. A 23.4-kilometre line stretching from Highway 27 to Finch Station. Projected to cost around $1.2 billion with a completion target of 2019.
What they would do if elected?
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Scarborough RT Replacement |
Supports current plan. approved by council. Wants a 1.6 per cent property tax increase phased in over three years to pay for it. |
Supports planned subway extension, but wants construction to start immediately. |
Would switch the Scarborough subway extension to above-ground rail; says the move would save $1 billion and add four more stops |
|
Downtown Relief Line |
Would build first phase from Queen St. to Pape Ave. at an estimated costs of $3.2 billion |
Favours a regional "SmartTrack" express rail system to take pressure off the subway system. |
Says building a relief line is a priority. Proposes city chip in a third of the estimated $3 billion cost. |
|
Eglinton Crosstown |
Wants to bury the entire line. Says it would cost $1.4 billion. Would ask province, feds for more funding to do so. |
Supports current plan. |
Supports current plan. |
|
Sheppard Avenue |
Would replace planned Sheppard LRT with a subway extension from Don Mills Road to McCowan Road. (est. $1.8 billion) |
Supports planned LRT Project. |
Supports planned LRT project. |
|
Finch Avenue |
Would build a $2.6 billion subway line to connect the future Finch West Station to Humber College. |
Supports planned LRT project. |
Supports planned LRT project. |
|
Bus Service |
Wants a network of 10-minute or better bus and streetcar service. |
Wants new express buses. |
Wants to improve bus capacity and frequency by keeping older buses on the road. Says money can be found in existing budget. |
