1. Next Stop - Transit City
Argument ~ Research Essay Exploratory
ESSAY QUESTION:
Which plan is the best response to Toronto’s
demand for more public transit? Why?

2. 5 years ago, former Toronto Mayor David Miller
and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)
unveiled a plan they called “Transit City”. 7
new train lines were announced, and four of the
projects were scheduled to begin right away. 5
years later - no trains.
Now, Toronto has a new Mayor and a new plan.
When Rob Ford was running for Mayor in 2010,
Ford promised to end any further discussion
about Transit City.
So, why does Mayor Ford dislike the former
Transit City plan?
Source: toronto.ca
When did everything start?

3. The Transit City expansion is virtually all
above-ground, modeled on light-rail electric
trains (LRTs) and expanded bus service. But
Mayor Ford says that his supporters don’t
want anymore streetcars, adding that there
isn’t room for them on Toronto’s busy
streets anyway.
For Ford, the answer is underground. If the
Mayor has his way, 8 billion dollars that
used to be for LRTs and buses, will be spent
expanding Toronto ’ s subway system
instead. There’s just one catch - 8 billion
buys the city a lot more transit above-ground
than it does underground. Subways aren’t
cheap.

4. What will it cost?
Source: “Keeping transit on the rails”
by Enzo Di Matteao
Mouseclick Now News for full text

5. What will it cost?
Mouseclick Now News for full text

6. What will it cost?
Mouseclick Now News for full text

7. Where does it go?
“Comparing Transit City to Rob Ford’s plan for the TTC”
The Globe and Mail, MARCUS GEE
Published Monday, Mar. 07 2011

8. Where does it go?

9. Rob Ford talks about
his transportation plan,
and promises to
expand the subway
system IF he is elected
mayor.
Mouseclick the video
to watch.
Who is Rob Ford?

10. Metrolinx is an agency created in 2006
by the Government of Ontario to improve
transportation throughout the Greater
Toronto and Hamilton Area. They are responsible
for regional transit, including GO Transit.
The Big Move is a 25-year plan by Metrolinx to
improve transportation in the Greater Toronto
and Hamilton Area.

11. 52
kilometres of new light rail transit underway
8
kilometres of new subway extension underway
52
kilometres of new bus rapid transit underway
LRT in Toronto
The Big Move is planning to add new Light Rail
Transit (LRT) lines to areas in Toronto, such as
Finch, Sheppard and Eglinton Avenues.
Subway Expansion
Extension of the Spadina subway line to
York University will be complete in 2016.

12. Mouseclick the guide
for more info

13. Internet Resources
Transit City Plan: 2007
http://www.toronto.ca/civic-engagement/council-briefing/pdf/1-3-24.pdf
History of Transit City (a timeline)
http://www.globaltoronto.com/timeline+a+history+of+transit+city/6442574600/story.html
Now Magazine: Keeping Transit On the Rails
http://www.nowtoronto.com/news/story.cfm?content=178347
Youtube: Ford’s Transportation Plan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xfsIj6gYAw
The Big Move: Conversation Kit
http://www.bigmove.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/BigConversationKit-sml.pdf
Toronto Infrastructure http://www.toronto.ca/toronto_facts/infrastructure.htm
Research:
 Find ONE (1) article about this issue using the database at library.senecacollege.ca.
 Make point-form notes (max.1 page) that combine information here and in your article.
 You may use your notes during your in-class essay.