Peter Kuitenbrouwer | March 20, 2014 2:46 PM ET
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Michelle Siu for the National PostOlivia Chow holds a press conference at a bus stop on the corner of Wilson Avenue and Jane Street in Toronto to announce her intention to increase TTC rush hour capacity by 10% on Thursday, March 20, 2014
Olivia Chow, the candidate for mayor, convoked the press to a windy street corner at Jane and Wilson Streets on Thursday to say that, if elected, she will increase service by 10 per cent on “high-traffic” bus routes.
“I want to allow people to ride the buses in more comfort and with more dignity, and get home so they can spend more time with their children,” she said.
Ms. Chow said the mayor has made public transit worse in Toronto.
“When Rob Ford got elected he said he was for the little guy,” Ms. Chow said. “Guess what? Since he got elected, it is more crowded.” Mr. Ford cut $14-million from the TTC in 2012, she said.
Ms. Chow told stories of drivers forced to leave women with children in strollers at the bus stops along Jane Street this past winter because of overcrowding on the buses. She noted that 60 per cent of TTC users ride a bus for at least part of their daily journey.
Ms. Chow said that her plan will cost $15-million. Asked where she will get the money, she answered, “The funds can be found within the existing budget.”
Opinions on Ms. Chow were divided in the neighbourhood.
Michelle Siu for National PostMs. Chow said that her plan will cost $15-million. Asked where she will get the money, she answered, 'The funds can be found within the existing budget'
As she stood chatting with reporters, a young man recognized her and began chanting, “Go Ford Go!”
But later, as Ms. Chow disembarked from the No. 96 bus at Wilson subway station, the bus driver said through the bus’s PA system, “I would like to wish my special passenger good luck.”