Metrolinx is listening
Well, hmmmm, back on topic here.
I waited to respond to the Draft RTP first so I could think everything through myself, but also because I wanted to see the reactions of others. To get a feel if my instinctual reaction was a fair one.
My instinctual reaction is that the plan was too nice to the car, to sprawl, and lacked some very important pieces on the transit front.
But, I didn't want to get into a silly game where one looks the gift horse in the mouth, and detail what I perceive the shortcomings of the Draft RTP to be, when clearly, it is a step forward for transit.
Also one can't be unkind to our own fine Metrolinxer!
*****
However, since those bastions of transit support....The Toronto Sun and The National Post have come out with articles like "The Car is still King"....
Since even the Star; prone to liking all things Liberal and mushy middle has implied that too many compromises were made, and more ambition would be useful.
I'm thinking my comments will fall well within accepted public discourse, and might even by moderate!
*****
So first, to be fair, what's Right with RTP?
Many things!
1) The Yonge subway extension.
2) The Subway to York U
3) The Hurontario LRT
4) The Hamilton LRT
5) GO - RER/REX Services
6) The push for active transportation
etc.
****
What's wrong - Starting point what's there but shouldn't be?
Any material highway extensions. Almost all of the newly proposed highways will suck literally billions of dollars out of the public purse. Money that might be better utilized supporting transit.
Relatedly, its worth noting almost all the new highways will be in what are currently greenfield areas with little or no development, some entirely within the provincial greenbelt. These will not only serve to disrupt tranquil rural spaces and natural areas, but to promote sprawl and are inconsistent with good planning.
Some, if not all of these highways should be completely scrapped as even conceptual plans; but at the very minimum they should be pushed beyond the 25-year plan timeframe. There is no need for a 427 extension or a 404 extension, or for that matter the 407 east extension based on existing travel patterns and development. Any un-served communties at this point can easily and more cheaply be served by strategic peak-GO Services.
Further good planning should ensure that little or no new demand emerges from outer ex-urbia.
*****
Now before getting into what needs to be in the plan that isn't. A brief word on goals.
The RTP proposes a modal split in 2033 that would see only 26% on transit, compared to 12% walking and biking, and over 60% by car.
That's astonishingly low.
Particularly when one accounts for a projected doubling of GTAH population by 2033, you realize this plan would accommodate MORE cars on the road than there are today!
I won't nitpick for any particular number, we could debate this all day, but something more ambitious is clearly in order. At the minimum driving down the modal split for cars to 50%. Ergo, assuming 12% is very ambitious for biking/walking trips, that means at least a high 30's modal split for transit.
*****
Now, how to achieve the above goal. Again, there is much room for debate and I won't get caught up ordering pet projects. So below is a list of projects I think would be 'consensus' add-ons, in whatever priority.
-Complete the Sheppard subway, at least to Downsview and Vic. Park, probably more so to STC. Note, this can be in the later part of the plan.
-Scrap the damned SRT, its orphan technology in Toronto, and has a poor performance record. Its also busting at the seems with demand, and likely has latent demand off-the-charts for that reason. It needs to be replaced by a B-D Subway extension to STC
-Implement a Peak-period GO Service across the 407 corridor (CN York subdivision), this is vaguely hinted at in the RTP. It should be bold, clear and upfront.
- More transit system consolidation needs to be mentioned in the plan, without it, it will very difficult to obtain more seemless service.
- The DRT is incorrectly positioned too far back in the plans, it does not need to be the first priority, but if construction were even to begin by 2015, it needs to go to detailed EA and design by 2012.
There's my thoughts Metrolinx.....enjoy!