RyanM12
New Member
The problem with the Scarborough Subway is amalgamation. York Region can build subways to Vaughan and Richmond Hill because they can decide for themselves what happens north of Steeles. If Scarborough were still it's own city there would be no question that the BD extension would be built. But instead, Scarborough has to rely on decisions made at Bay & Queen.
Unless someone has spent at least a week commuting on the SRT at rush hour, I don't consider their opinion valid. Google maps can't tell the whole story.
The problem with the SRT is not just the transfer, but the trains are too small, and more importantly, it's badly routed. The SRT was built through the easiest available route, not where it was needed. The McCowan route is what should've been built 30 years ago.
A station Lawrence and McCowan will be well used. Ellesemere and Midland stations on the SRT are unnecessary; if the SRT route is kept, at least one of them should be closed. Scarborough Centre station should be closer to the 401 so an additional station can be at the McCowan/Ellesmere intersection -- but only if it's redeveloped. There should also be a station at Brimley/Danforth/Eglinton, to relieve Kennedy by connecting to eastbound routes. I also think the area around Kennedy should be redeveloped, particularly that horrible bridge should be removed so the area can actually be accessible for pedestrians (busses get stuck trying to climb the bridge in the slush in the winter). Sheppard East will also be a well used station.
Personally, I don't think the Scarborough Subway is the best solution --but it's the best of the options on the table. Here's what I would do: Replace the SRT with EMU's on rail tracks, so that it can run express from Kennedy to Union, (maybe stopping to connect with the DRL at Queen/Degrassi) on a single TTC fare. This would provide done relief for the BD. And if it stays on the SRT corridor, it should only have stations at Union, Queen, Kennedy, Lawrence East, Midland, STC (on the EAST side of the mall), progress/Centennial, Sheppard East, Malvern, Finch/Morningside. A similar EMU line could run in the west end, connecting Mississauga/Square One with Kipling and union.
Unless someone has spent at least a week commuting on the SRT at rush hour, I don't consider their opinion valid. Google maps can't tell the whole story.
The problem with the SRT is not just the transfer, but the trains are too small, and more importantly, it's badly routed. The SRT was built through the easiest available route, not where it was needed. The McCowan route is what should've been built 30 years ago.
A station Lawrence and McCowan will be well used. Ellesemere and Midland stations on the SRT are unnecessary; if the SRT route is kept, at least one of them should be closed. Scarborough Centre station should be closer to the 401 so an additional station can be at the McCowan/Ellesmere intersection -- but only if it's redeveloped. There should also be a station at Brimley/Danforth/Eglinton, to relieve Kennedy by connecting to eastbound routes. I also think the area around Kennedy should be redeveloped, particularly that horrible bridge should be removed so the area can actually be accessible for pedestrians (busses get stuck trying to climb the bridge in the slush in the winter). Sheppard East will also be a well used station.
Personally, I don't think the Scarborough Subway is the best solution --but it's the best of the options on the table. Here's what I would do: Replace the SRT with EMU's on rail tracks, so that it can run express from Kennedy to Union, (maybe stopping to connect with the DRL at Queen/Degrassi) on a single TTC fare. This would provide done relief for the BD. And if it stays on the SRT corridor, it should only have stations at Union, Queen, Kennedy, Lawrence East, Midland, STC (on the EAST side of the mall), progress/Centennial, Sheppard East, Malvern, Finch/Morningside. A similar EMU line could run in the west end, connecting Mississauga/Square One with Kipling and union.