First of all, I am not a person with a physical disability and can never truly understand the barriers faced by individuals with limited mobility. I write the following not as an expert, but as a concerned citizen who wants public transportation to be accessible to all people.

At one time, accommodation for persons with disabilities on mainstream transit was somewhat of an afterthought. Fortunately, progress has been made to ensure that transit can be used by anyone at any time. Low-floor vehicles are replacing high-floor buses everywhere, and accessible streetcars are about to be ordered to improve access to the transit system for those who cannot climb steps. Elevators are being installed at subway and GO stations, and automated stop announcements have allowed the blind to travel with much more confidence.

Of course, more can and should be done. More bus routes can place accessible stops closer to homes and businesses, and a GTHA-wide Wheel-Trans service could expand the world for anyone who relies on para-transit. Placing accessibility as a cornerstone of new projects is a must, as well as increasing the rate at which existing lines are retrofitted. But, there is one very popular proposal that might but accessibility and cost-effectiveness into conflict. (more…)

It’s 8:03am and you’ve just pulled up across the street from the south parking lot at Kipling TTC Station after dropping off your wife at work in Brampton and your kids at the day care in Mississauga. The north lot is always full by 7:30am, but you’re banking on the south lot to still have some spots left.

It doesn’t; the lot has been full since 7:45am, and now you’re stuck driving into downtown Toronto for work. Again.

This isn’t an isolated incident: commuter parking lots (adjacent to GO and TTC stations) do not have enough space to accommodate the multitude of commuters that are looking to leave their cars and take public transit to work every day.

Recently, I got a few friends together to find out just how hard it is to get parking at transit hubs in and around Toronto. The results are sad, but expected:

• Kipling Station (GO, TTC): Lots full at 7:48am.
• Etobicoke North Station (GO): Lots full at 7:39am.
• Cooksville Station (GO): Lots full at 8:06am.
• Finch Station (GO, TTC): Lots full at 8:42am.

Cars that try and squeeze into the lots — particularly those that try and take up the spots occupied by snowbanks in the winter — are actively ticketed by the lot attendants, and privately-owned lots surrounding these commuter lots often charge in excess of $25 to park for the work day.

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