Stephen Young My life in words.

Spadina Subway Extension an (almost) Done Deal

So, after months (or years depending on who you are) of waiting, it looks like the subway extension to York U. and Vaughan is a go.  The provincial and municipal governments had already chipped in their bits and it appears that the Federal Government is now preparing to contribute its part.  The proposed layout of the stations looks like this: (from Spacing Wire)

I remember being a York student, and often cursing the fact that I had to take a bus everywhere I wanted to go.  The existance of a subway would of made my life so much easier and so much more relaxing.

However, the more and more I think about it the more I realize that this may not be the best choice for Toronto.  The billions that will go into this extension (all of 6 stations) could build us a modern and exciting streetcar network across the city.  Imagine modern streetcars, running on thier own right-of-ways, criss-crossing Toronto.  It would mean relaible, efficient transit throughout the city, which would draw people into the system, and out of their cars.

This extension however, will do nothing but make life easier for people who are already using the TTC.  Furthermore, the chance of people who live in Vaughan switching to the subway because it is a few stops closer is very minimal.  The stations are located in the middle of nowhere, in a car-centric neighbourhood.  The car culture is so engrained in the 905 region, that a small extension won't many any differnece.

Lastly, nobody seems to be thinking of the financial implications of this.  Whenever a TTC bus crosses Steeles Ave, people are required to pay a second fare.  How will this ever been administered on the subway?  The end result will be that we, as taxpayers of Toronto, will be subsidizing the transportation options of the residents of Vaughan.