TORONTO, ON — On the heels of Mayor Rob Ford's financing proposal for a subway along Sheppard Ave., the Pembina Institute today released new analysis that offers a more fiscally responsible solution, one that doesn't put Torontonians at risk of footing the bill for future debt.
Rather, Pembina presents an ideal compromise: a transit plan for Toronto that combines subway, light rail, underground and surface transit options.
The compromise plan aims to deliver the most suitable transit options for commuters at the best value, while meeting Mayor Ford's election commitment to expand the city's subway system. It builds on the strongest elements of the existing light rail plan, while matching transit capacity with both current and projected ridership in key areas.
"Unfortunately, a subway along Sheppard does not fit into a fiscally responsible transit plan for the city," Burda added. "Whether it's funded by private or public funds, it's a money loser."
The Institute's analysis shows that the population density is too low along Sheppard to pay for the operation of a Sheppard subway, let alone the construction. Therefore, Torontonians may be on the hook for a growing operational debt, as well as paying back private financiers, if population growth on Sheppard proves too low.
Light rail transit along the same route would cost one-quarter the price and provide a more appropriate level of service. The Institute's compromise plan calls for almost half of the transit lines to be subway or underground LRT, and proposes a small portion of the Sheppard line to be underground to avoid losing any lanes to vehicles.
In total, the projected cost of the Institute's compromise solution is slightly higher than the current budget because of the subway extensions. To pay for the shortfall, Pembina suggests the province should commit to providing the additional funds to deliver a balanced plan that services the city's regions fairly and brings a compromise to subway and light rail supporters.
"A winning transit plan for Toronto is one that serves a wide cross-section of the city, offers an appropriate mix of transit options, and aims to attract the most riders possible for the money invested," Burda said.
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A detailed overview of the Pembina Institute's recommendations for a compromise transit plan is available online.
Contact:
Cherise Burda
Director, Transportation, Pembina Institute
Cell: 416-824-0256
Phone: 416-644-1016
Twitter: @CheriseBurda
Julia Kilpatrick (English / français)
Media Manager, Pembina Institute
Cell: 613-265-5579
Phone: 613-216-1976 ext. 30
Background:
The Pembina Institute's
recommended compromise plan includes:
1.
Finch West
Express — a new LRT rapid transit line on
Finch Ave. to replace the busiest bus route in Toronto.
2. Eglinton Crosstown — a new light rail service between Kennedy station
and Jane St., prioritizing the 11 km underground section.
3.
Scarborough
Subway —
an extension of the Bloor-Danforth
subway to replace the existing Scarborough Rapid Transit Line.
4.
Sheppard
East — a hybrid line that
includes:
a.
Underground
LRT or subway on Sheppard,
extended from Don Mills Station east to Pharmacy Road.
b.
Sheppard
East LRT — above ground light rail
between Pharmacy and Meadowvale Rd.
To learn more about the Pembina Institute's work on transportation issues in Toronto, please see our report Making tracks to Torontonians, or our latest transportation blog posts.