Smart Track changes
Smart Track
The parts of Smart Track that mimic existing GO plans are fine, but the populist changes cause problems.
1) Cross Etobicoke (surface) subway.
As mentioned on this site, and surely known to Tory's campaign, Build Toronto sold the Richview corridor to developers, and included no provisions for a surface subway trench. EMUs would require a long express subway through the low density auto-oriented Eglinton W corridor to a massive highway interchange. Station names, like Scarlett-Jane, seem designed to make residents think they're (each) getting the station. They are far apart.
2) Cost - price of a TTC fare
Why would the Province offer bargain fares on parts of 2 GO lines between the Mississauga border and Unionville, and not on other lines or within the 416? Express and long distance trips tend to cost more. GO currently has an 83% operating recovery ratio, or $4.71 per trip (TTC $0.41 per trip). Tory suggests that low GO fares would attract 200,000 riders (currently 187,000 on all 7 lines) adding a huge number of riders, while simultaneously slashing income (fares). GO is certainly aware that lower fares would add riders, but has been focused on cost recovery. For example, the Province's newest express train, Pearson - Union, is projecting fares between $20 - $30 in a misguided attempt to avoid incurring additional Provincial operating subsidies.
3) Timeframe: 7 years
Perhaps in China. The shorter (than Etobicoke Subway) Scarborough Subway is projected to take 10 years, and didn't begin until the city abandoned its dubious TIF funding model, agreeing to 30 years of tax hikes. The Etobicoke subway is just a small part of a 53 kilometre line that would use the same, or new, tracks & stations, as other GO services, which would also be undergoing electrification and expanded frequencies.
4) Funding?
The campaign says Toronto will pay a third of the (Tory estimated) $8 billion price tag. Like Ford, nothing up front, hoping billions can be raised from taxing new development along the corridor. The Province is likely not impressed. Plus, they & the Feds might have more important/ other priorities.
5) Unionville to 427 & Eglinton = Yonge Relief Line = icing DRL
Yonge needs relief during the busiest periods. Smart Track offers service up to every 15 minutes, or 4 single level (Aukland EMU) trains per hour. The Province's (optimistic) 10 year RER plan would provide much more peak capacity using 7 lines. Added items which delay the DRL and RER are unhelpful.
One City odds & ends..
-- Scarborough Subway
Rather than scrapping this political gravy train, Tory promises Etobicoke an even longer Surface (underground) Subway, which likewise replaces a proposed LRT.
Sheppard & Finch LRTs
Tory promises to tell the Province to put them on hold until the 'Yonge Relief Line' appears.
Buses & streetcars to address cutbacks & record ridership?
Too controversial in a climate where transit on the road is considered a source of congestion.
Even if Ford loses, his reign of misinformation will live on for many years.
