Toronto is a car centric city. Stroll any residential side street--from the Annex to the Junction from Forest Hill to Leaside--and you'll agree. Transit is meant for the "poor" or those too cheap to pay for parking in the core.
Take the Dufferin bus, get on at Keele Stn frequently and you'll understand what I mean. You feel "second class."
Really that explains the popularity of LRT & bus transit in this city--both are meant to cater to lazy people who don't like walking far. (What I mean: subway stations are further apart making it more inconvenient. To be honest, in 2013, in Toronto, transit by bus is the better way. Maybe we ought to embrace it? Eg: I love the Bloor Blue Night bus--I am mere seconds from the stop vs the subway which is 10 minutes' walk on a bitterly cold winter's day. To go OT: a heated winter jacket and boots would solve this problem in a hurry
) We also have to consider the impact of coming technology: driverless vehicles. Imagine driverless buses!
What would really benefit the average Torontonian more: increase the frequency of bus and streetcar routes.
Interesting to note the rising obesity rates in general vs the 1950s. Even today's downtown bike popularity is easily explained: lazy ppl would rather sit on a bike than walk to work! Even though walking is the best form of exercise. Also, I've noticed many bike riders use their bikes like cars--status symbols to show off their "bling" vs the other person.
The best way to raise money for subways is to make it more expensive to drive--but then the 1% win--they want it easier to get around quickly in their luxury cars.
A subway to Scarborough is needed: Not for the middle class condo dweller but for the working class renter who currently spends 3 hours each day communting to work. It may save them one hour a day--to do what exactly?
As mayor, I'd promise "A bus or streetcar every 5 minutes guaranteed ... or it's free"
