Letter to Editor re: Smitherman's two-step editorial

At least Toronto mayoral candidate George Smitherman is willing to look at different ways to encourage the use of transit and raise revenues at the same time. Although I am no fan of toll roads, they would be more equitable than the flat fee we pay. I use my car for short distances primarily in and around my neighbourhood and take transit to go downtown. I pay the same $60 annual fee as my neighbour who commutes downtown to work five days a week. Commuters from outside Toronto who use city streets to travel to and from work do not pay any extra fee. How is that equitable? How does that $60 fee discourage anyone to leave their cars at home?

If we truly want people to forgo the use of their cars, punishing them with extra fees may help the city's finances but as far as I can see, traffic is heavier than ever. Toronto needs a comprehensive transportation plan that meets the diverse needs of its citizens – the same citizens who need to be consulted and then listened to.

Evelyn Steinberg, Toronto