EDIT (February 2016): TTCriders has updated its position statement on the Scarborough transit plan here.
The Scarborough Subway Extension (SSE) -a three-stop extension to the Bloor-Danforth line was approved by Toronto Council in 2013. It replaces the earlier decision to replace the Scarborough RT with a 7-stop fully funded, shovel ready, Scarborough LRT line.
It has now become clear that Council approved the SSE without knowing all the facts. In a recent stunning revelation, the city's Chief Planner, Jennifer Keesmaat admitted that the figures on ridership that were used to justify the decision were hastily concocted and created without due diligence.
Also, the idea of Smart Track (the electrification of the Stouffville/Lakeshore Go line with all-day, two-way service) did not exist at the time Council made the SSE decision. If both are built they will compete for the same riders. Council will be considering the question of the alignment of Smart Track this fall. This could lead to a decision by Council for one mode over another.
However even if both lines go ahead, Scarborough’s outer neighbourhoods, college and university campuses will not be served by either SSE or Smart Track and this transit shortfall will need to be addressed in a timely manner.
This is why we would like to see Council return to the Scarborough LRT option. In fact, given that Scarborough residents need to get around in Scarborough, not just downtown, the original, Transit City network of Scarborough/Sheppard/Malvern LRT lines (see second map) makes the most sense. For the same price as a 3 or 4-stop subway, Scarborough could have a 47 stop LRT network that connects riders to the Scarborough Town Centre, Centennial College, Malvern Town Centre, Scarborough Campus of the University of Toronto, and many of our under served neighbourhoods in the North and South East.
With much of the groundwork already completed, construction could begin today. And with 47 stops it would bring a lot more people within walking distance of a station, unlike a 3 or 4 stop subway where every ride would either start or end on a bus. An LRT network could work together with the Smart Track Line, unlike the SSE, which would be an expensive duplication. Improving access to more locations along Sheppard and Eglinton East, the LRT network would have far greater potential for economic redevelopment, and jobs.
Scarborough residents need a rapid transit network that gets them where they need to go. They need it to be fast, modern, accessible, affordable and publicly run and they need it now, not ten years from now. Light Rail Transit is electric-powered and runs on a separate right of way, so it doesn't get bogged down in traffic, the way street cars can.
The groundwork had been completed for these lines - studies, public consultations, environmental assessment - and construction began on the Sheppard LRT in 2009 but was abruptly halted in 2010 by then Mayor Ford. Construction of the Sheppard LRT has yet to resume. In fact, there have been so many delays the Wynne government appears to have lost the political will to complete the build out of this line.
Meanwhile, every major city in the world is getting a move on with modern and cost-effective LRT systems. Let's make sure Scarborough is not left behind.
TTCriders Scarborough Committee
Malvern, Lawrence Heights, and Rexdale would be most impacted by planned restrictions to door-to-door Wheel-Trans service, according to data obtained through a Freedom of Information request by transit advocacy organization TTCriders.
(Toronto, ON) – Neighbourhoods with a higher proportion of racialized and low-income residents will be most impacted by planned restrictions to door-to-door Wheel-Trans service, according to data obtained through a Freedom of Information request by transit advocacy group TTCriders. The group held a press conference at Toronto City Hall on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, in advance of a TTC Board meeting.
(Toronto, ON) – Transit advocacy organization TTCriders is celebrating today’s announcement that the federal government has approved the TTC’s request for federal funding for new subway trains on Line 2 Bloor-Danforth.