Ignoring Cars in Toronto

The City of Toronto prioritizes pedestrians, cyclists and transit over cars. Some in the city are concerned that the city is ignoring a car congestion problem that is only growing.

1 minute read

May 20, 2009, 7:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"Toronto's "anti-car" council has focused its spending almost exclusively on public transit, including a new $950 million light rail transit line along Sheppard Ave. E., and allocated relatively modest funds for a pedestrian and bike lane strategy.

"This city seems to be in a deliberate campaign against vehicles," said Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong. "Our job is to provide solutions. We are becoming more of a problem."

It's city policy to put pedestrians, cyclists and transit ahead of automobiles as part of its integrated transportation plan. But despite an additional 10 million cars bought by North Americans each year, Toronto has no plan to accommodate the extra vehicles, said the city's manager of transportation services. "

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 in The Toronto Sun

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

Graphic with blue background, flags, and text reading 2024 Presidential Election

Where 2024 Presidential Candidates Stand on 12 Issues Important to Urban Planners

Whether you’re yet undecided or have already cast your early vote, here is a roundup of the key positions of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on important urban planning policies.

October 31, 2024 - Planetizen

Modular housing under construction with worker guiding crane.

Commentary: New Bill Holds Key to Solving US Housing Crisis. We Just Have to Pass It.

Two bills currently moving through Congress could make mass production of prefabricated, affordable housing possible on a large scale.

October 29, 2024 - Jordan Rogove

Amtrak Coast Starlight passenger train passing over bridge in Altamont Pass, California.

Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley

Amtrak is planning a major expansion to the passenger rail lines connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area.

November 4, 2024 - The Modesto Bee

Panoramic view of downtown Denver, Colorado.

Denver Slaughterhouse Measure Reveals Impacts of Meat Industry

Voters did not approve a measure that would have closed a slaughterhouse that is key to the nation’s lamb production.

November 8 - The Conversation

Chicago Transit

Chicago Transit Increasing Rail Service to Pre-Pandemic Levels

The Chicago Transit Authority is close to returning both rail and bus service to pre-pandemic schedules, with some adjustments for new travel demand.

November 8 - Mass Transit

Bridge with container ship crashed into it in Baltimore, Maryland.

Baltimore Traffic Suffering From Absence of Key Bridge

The loss of a key route to the Port of Baltimore is causing major delays and long detours on alternate routes.

November 8 - The Baltimore Banner