Public transit and its many issues within the metropolis of Toronto is prime of thoughts for a lot of residents. We requested TTC Riders advocacy group to temporary the brand new mayor, Olivia Chow, on what she ought to do upon taking workplace to point out she is able to make severe change proper now.
Here’s what Shelagh Pizey-Allen of TTC Riders suggests:
“To prioritize public transit in Toronto, the brand new mayor should sort out a number of urgent points. Firstly, securing transit working funding from the provincial and federal governments is paramount to guard the TTC from additional service cuts and alleviate its vital $366 million working funds shortfall in 2023. Rebuilding ridership and confidence within the TTC calls for a concerted effort to reverse service cuts and rent further supportive and welcoming workers.
To handle these monetary challenges, TTCriders and the Toronto Environmental Alliance suggest the introduction of a company TTC levy on massive malls and business heaps. This funding mechanism, estimated to generate between $191-575 million yearly, can play an important position in restoring and enhancing TTC providers.
Moreover, with the approaching closure of the Scarborough RT, the following mayor ought to prioritize the development of a substitute busway to supply a extra environment friendly different for transit riders, saving them priceless time on every journey.
Guaranteeing dependable and well timed service is one other urgent concern. The TTC should spend money on bus and streetcar precedence lanes to enhance reliability and reduce delays, addressing the problem of buses and streetcars not exhibiting up on time.
Moreover, the following mayor should take steps to guard the accessibility of the Wheel-Trans service. Requiring Wheel-Trans customers to re-register and probably shedding full entry to door-to-door service is regarding, and efforts must be made to safeguard the rights and desires of all people who depend on this important service.
By tackling these challenges head-on, the brand new mayor of Toronto can display a real dedication to prioritizing and bettering public transit, making a extra environment friendly, accessible, and dependable transportation system for all residents.”