Cross GTA Transit Route

Problem:

The transit routes in the GTA are North South Oriented.

GO Transit runs East- West, but only along the Lakeshore. 

Possible Solutions:

Corridor along 401, Hydro Corridor

Cross GTA transit route must include Pearson Airport

Need to go through main employment areasIssues

Low Income High density areas are poorly served by transit (3 cities report)

Right of way bus routes planned across 407

Shorter term quick wins expanding Sheppard subway East and West

Should TTC be expanded regional transit – No GO transit is the defacto regional transit 

Madrid experience, Dublin experience indicates hsigh speed transit can be built with sufficient funding

Electrification will allow more short train frequent service on Go line

Metrolix as a regional authority could expand transit by reusing light rail, bus equipment

Issues:

401 route will miss major suburban mobility hubs like Square One

Sheppard subway line is different from 401 corridor

Experience with Subway along Allen expressway: less high density development along subway.

Need to change attitudes of high income earners to get on subway

Growth areas like York Region excluded

Its more cost effective to build longer lines than to work in fits and starts

Ottawa experience with light rail inconclusive.

North American Railway Regulations for heavy rail and light rail, cant put streetcars on Go lines

Don’t duplicate GO line