I think we can all agree that we need a better transit system in the GTHA – no one is debating the need for a grand vision. But, there has been a lot of passionate debate about specific projects and how they should be constructed. Over the past few weeks, three specific issues have stood out in particular:

1. What should we do with the Sheppard corridor? Should the original subway vision or the new light rail vision be fullfilled?
2. What should we do with the Scarborough RT corridor? Should it be refurbished with Skytrain or conventional cars, or should it be replaced with a subway?
3. What should we do in the Mississauga City Centre? Should the future light rail line run to the terminal, or should the terminal move to meet the future light rail line?

There have been very vocal arguments on both sides, and I don’t see a reason why Metronaunts can’t host some of that spirited debate. Since it’s not in the spirit of the community to descend into a flame-war, I’d like to try to guide the discussion by laying out some relevant facts and asking community members to answer a question (keeping those facts in mind, of course). In a way, it reminds me of an academic examination – hence the “discuss with examples.”

So here we go: (more…)

Everyone, from Steve Munro and Stephen Rees to the community at the Urban Toronto Forum, seems to be talking about a very interesting article that appeared in the Globe and Mail today. Referencing the work of Professor Patrick Condon, senior researcher at the Design Centre for Sustainability, University of British Columbia, David Beers discusses some very interesting findings in the sustainability of different modes of travel.

Vancouver has a plan to extend one of their Sky Train lines from the downtown core to the University of British Columbia campus at a cost of $2.8 billion, and while this is a missing link in their network, there have been many calls to consider other technologies, such as the same European-style trams being considered for use in the City of Toronto. There’s no question that more lines could be built for the same price tag if trams are used, but the Sky Train (the next evolution of our Scarborough RT) has a speed advantage that is very difficult to ignore in today’s fast-paced society. (more…)