Today, Olivia Chow released her transit map and compared it with John Tory’s. It starts moving people now, moves more people, covers more of the city and doesn’t rely on unrealistic funding schemes.
“My plan is a better plan because it starts investing now, to move people now,†said Olivia. “New projects start faster, serve more people and cost less. We need a change in direction, and it starts with investing now to improve service now, right across the city.
“My plan is better than Mr. Tory’s because it moves people sooner, and brings service to more parts of the city faster,†she said.
Olivia’s plan is comprehensive. It agrees with the TTC that buses are key to get people moving now, and will invest $15 million a year immediately. It’s consistent with the existing agreement with the province. It reflects what experts advise, and includes the TTC’s top priority of a subway relief line.
“John Tory opposes investing now to move more people now,†said Olivia. “That’s not good enough because people can’t wait to get moving, and with my better plan they won’t.â€
She noted the approach of Mr. Tory looks just like Mr. Ford’s in 2010. They both opposed investing today to improve service now. They both demonized above-ground rail. They both refuse to incorporate cycling or pedestrians in transport plans. And they both—whether it’s subways or Mr. Tory’s latest priority—hold up faraway projects with huge costs they say no-one will have to pay.
“Mr. Ford didn’t get people moving and Mr. Tory won’t either,†said Olivia. “We need a change in direction. So let’s make that change, start investing now and start moving people now.â€
The differences between Olivia’s plan and Mr. Tory’s are:
Olivia supports investing now in buses. 60% of all TTC rides include a bus, and it’s the fastest, most widespread way to boost service. Mr. Tory opposes investing in buses. As such, he is openly campaigning on investing nothing in service improvements in the next term.
Olivia supports the existing agreement for above-ground rail in Scarborough. It is 2.9km longer than underground rail with four more stops. It will be finished four years faster. Mr. Tory disagrees. He would delay until 2019, serve fewer people and spend $1 billion more.
Olivia supports the TTC’s number one priority of a subway relief line. In April, she said she would invest in one to bring federal and provincial governments to the table. Mr. Tory began his campaign saying it was his top priority. He now attacks Olivia for supporting it.
Olivia supports the existing, provincial plans for light rail along Sheppard East and Finch, which will bring service to areas in desperate need of it. Mr. Tory has left these off his map.
Olivia supports electrifying GO lines and has for years. Fare integration with GO would allow these to be used for intra-city travel. Mr. Tory wants to piggy-back his new priority onto some of these lines at a cost of $8 billion, and $100 million in debt costs to the city.