Commuters are voting with their feet in Toronto as ridership surges on the King Street streetcar after changes that restricted cars along the route.
Oliver Moore reports: "Ridership on the King streetcar has surged 25 per cent during the busiest times of the day in the wake of efforts to speed up transit on the key downtown roadway, according to the Toronto Transit Commission."
Now the TTC is faced with the challenges of success, such as demand that exceeds capacity. The TTC has a plan to redeploy some rolling stock from nearby routes to increase capacity. Another challenge might be harder to resolve: local business owners convinced the priority on transit has had a negative impact on their bottom line. "Many of them are expected to meet Friday with Toronto Mayor John Tory to argue for rolling back some of the transit changes," according to Moore.
For more background on the King Street streetcar, see previous coverage by Planetizen correspondent Katharine Jose. Planetizen also covered the revamped King Street earlier in the planning phase.
FULL STORY: Toronto's King streetcar sees ‘spectacular’ rise in ridership
King Street Transit Priority Project Now Permanent in Toronto
Transit has priority over cars on King Street in Toronto between Bathurst and Jarvis streets, now and in perpetuity.
Who's Still Riding Transit During the Pandemic? Evidence From Toronto
Transit routes used by workers in Toronto heading to industrial jobs have still been crowded with riders during the coronavirus pandemic.
Transit Ridership Dropping Due to Coronavirus; Long-Term Funding Consequences Feared
The effects of a global pandemic on American shores are beginning to emerge for public transit systems. The consequences of a drop in transit ridership could extend beyond the end of the pandemic.
Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Four Reasons Urban Planners Can’t Ignore AI
It’s no longer a question of whether AI will shape planning, but how. That how is up to us.
Bend, Deschutes County Move to Restrict Major Homeless Encampment
City and county officials are closing off portions of an area known as Juniper Ridge where many unhoused residents find shelter, hoping to direct people to housing and supportive services.
High Housing Costs Driving Down Transit Ridership in LA
When neighborhoods gentrify and displace lower-income residents, transit ridership suffers, new research shows.
Iowa Legalizes Accessory Dwelling Units
A new law will allow property owners to build ADUs on single-family lots starting on July 1.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada