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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet
With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)