What We Need

There are almost 6 million people living in or near Toronto. Many of the people in the suburban areas work downtown. While public transit moves a large volume of people daily, thousands depend upon cars to get around. While rising oil prices may discourage some drivers, European cities with much higher gas prices still experience traffic problems.

There are two prime reasons for our dependency on cars; habit and the lack of convenient alternatives. Habits will change when the alternative is not only convenient but desirable.

We need to develop a public transit network that utilizes a variety of techniques to move people around. From electric power to leg power, a wide range of people moving strategies can be incorporated to transit planning.

Linking the Regions

Currently, each region runs its own transit systems. Decisions and deals are made regionally, and operations are managed separately. In order to effectively service the growing Toronto region,  all transit should be managed by one unit. Planning will incorporate population requirements.

Perhaps all parties should develop a Greater Toronto Transportation Authority, amalgamating all systems from all surrounding regions. This amalgamation would allow passengers the payment of one fare to travel the city, and would also allow for the blend of assets and expertise required to develop an efficient transit system for millions of people in the Toronto area.

In 2004, the Provincial Government of Ontario announced the intention to form the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority. However, so far there is no additional information about who will join, how it will operate, etc.

Designing the System

While Toronto provides a variety of public transit services, there are many alternative modes of transportation around the world. Each city has formed its own solution, and many are quite innovative. It is time to be creative with our solutions, and develop a transit system that is both achievable and effective.

While distances in Toronto require development of transit devices that carry people, there is also an opportunity to encourage healthy travel through physical means. A network of bicycle paths could be developed throughout the city. In the downtown area, rickshaws could have their own lanes. The more creative we get, the better system we can develop.

More Bicycle Paths

According to the City of Toronto web site, there are currently 90 kilometers of designated bicycle paths on streets in Toronto, along with 121 kilometers of off-road paths. Sounds great, until you realize that there are 5300 km of roads and 7100 km of sidewalk. Toronto needs a real network of bicycle paths, and in the winter leave them unplowed and let people cross-country ski.