Toronto Transit Needs To Follow London's Lead

14 September 2007 - 7:00am

Transit-poor Toronto could learn a lesson from the highly mobile city of London, writes Christopher Hume.

"It's not that the streets of the British capital are any less congested than ours in Toronto, but in London, there are alternatives. This city takes public transit seriously, very seriously. Toronto, which isn't in the same league, is content mainly to talk about the idea of mass transportation, but not to pay for it."

"Like the vast majority of North American cities, Toronto is hooked on the automobile. We see a car as a sanctuary, a symbol of freedom, mobility and status. The reality might be otherwise, but however irrational, these emotions run deep."

"By contrast, the English have decided not to worry about the psychology of how they get around, but the practicalities. London has so many subway lines, it's damn near impossible for the visitor to figure the system out. And buses – the iconic double-deckers and the new 'bendies' (articulated buses) – are everywhere."

Source: The Toronto Star, September 13, 2007
Bookmark and Share
These practices are also inequitable since they force non-drivers to subsidize parking costs, reduce travel options for non-drivers, and reduce housing affordability.