Each January, I
ask TTC commissioners to describe their aims for the coming year.
The first up is TTC vice-chair Adam Giambrone, who writes, “In 2005
I succeeded in working with the TTC and the Cycling Committee to
launch a ‘bike-racks-on-buses’ pilot project on a number of routes.
In 2006 I will work to expand the scope of the project to include
additional bus routes across Toronto.
“In 2006, I
will work to include TTC system information on “Google Transit” (http://www.google.com/transit)
enabling TTC users to quickly determine the most effective
step-by-step route to reach their destination. The City of
Mississauga has a version of this service.
“In 2005 I also
succeeded in working with the TTC to expand overnight bus service to
previously unserviced areas around the City, including the former
cities of Etobicoke, Scarborough and parts of North York.
“Another big
priority for me will be to work with the other commissioners in
order to bring Toronto’s transit system into a state of good repair,
including the station modernization program that was just approved
by the commission. Funding has also been approved for the much
needed purchases of new buses, streetcars, and subways.
Giambrone also
wants to examine “how the TTC should move forward with necessary
repairs and improvements to bring the Scarborough LRT system into
the 21st Century.”
Toronto
councillor and deputy mayor Sandra Bussin writes, “The key goal is
to get Torontonians out of their cars and onto transit. Ten years of
provincial funding cuts damaged the efficiency and effectiveness of
Toronto's transit system. The recent federal and provincial funding
for new vehicle purchases does not address the rationalization of
service that has occurred. Reliable and predictable funding must be
provided by the senior governments to make the system hum again.
“Reinstating
the frequency and availability of surface route service is
imperative, especially on suburban routes. Cutting routes and
increasing wait times has led to a significant drop in ridership.
“The
introduction of a new streetcar line along Kingston Road east from
Victoria Park should be made a priority in this year's city capital
budget setting process.”
“Pushing the
provincial and federal government to help fund the expansion of the
Spadina subway line to York University and the Sheppard line to
Scarborough Town Centre is imperative. Getting a federal government
tax credit system in place to encourage and reward transit users and
employers who provide transit passes as part of an employees
compensation should happen in this coming year.”
TTC
Commissioner Joe Mihevc writes, “For 2006, my aims at the TTC are as
follows: Re-construct a good piece of St Clair;
“Approve the
design of the new low floor streetcar, secure Council's acceptance
of the project and begin to find a partner company to build them;
“Receive the
first new low floor hybrid buses and place an order for another 200
or so, for delivery in 2008;
“Begin
environmental assessments for Kingston Rd./Eglinton, the western and
eastern Waterfront and the Don Valley corridor;
“Begin
construction of the busway to York University.”