kEiThZ
Superstar
Right, because the problem is the system is way too integrated...
What's broken is the fact the fact that somebody from Scarborough takes a subway 30 stops to get to the core, instead of a bus to an S-Bahn type of GO REX system, with the subway being a short leg of their trip. The only reason we have people clamouring for subways, is that this is what they associate with fast, regular and reliable service. The LRTs won't change any perceptions. They'll shave off maybe 10 mins for the average rider. I actually think the LRTs will encourage resistance to transit taxes as people start seeing very little perceived return for the billions spent.
Integrating the subways, LRT and GO network will bring regional focus. Now planners will be figuring out how riders from Agincourt can transfer to Sheppard and get to Yonge midtown. Or how someone can get from Pickering to Downsview. Etc. It will also allow implementation of fare-by-distance (since GO already has that). It will speed up adoption of Presto across the system. And it will allow Metrolinx to deploy profits on boosting service on the long-haul network, instead of having them siphoned off to subsidize bus service.