In Part 1, we discussed a breathtaking new report from a team of researchers at the University of Toronto - Scarborough, led by Andre Sorenson. The report discusses a light rail network in Scarborough, but also makes a special point of noting that the Sheppard East Light Rapid Transit (LRT) line is an infrastructure project that must be built immediately. With 26 stations, the Sheppard East LRT would bring rapid transit to riders from Don Mills to Malvern. This approved, funded rapid transit line will serve far more residents than the subway that some politicians are calling for. A subway along Sheppard East would have very few stops and leave anyone living east of Kennedy without any rapid transit at all.
Toronto has spent years dealing with the consequences of underfunded public transit. Aging infrastructure, delayed repairs and subway slow zones have all placed pressure on a system that millions of Torontonians rely on. These problems cannot be fixed overnight and require sustained investment in the workers, vehicles, tracks and infrastructure that keep transit moving.