Transit visions shortchange voters: Editorial
With public transit emerging as the major issue in Toronto’s mayoral race so far, rival candidates are slowly unveiling their competing visions. They sense, correctly, that voters are increasingly frustrated by gridlock on the streets and inertia in transit planning. But if public dissatisfaction offers an opportunity to score political points, it also represents a challenge to show leadership and provide credible alternatives.
An overdue expansion is in the works. This is a decisive time. Yet with the Oct. 25 municipal election approaching, there is little cause for optimism that the mayoral race is producing thoughtful proposals.
Front-runner George Smitherman offered the most elaborate plans in a long-awaited announcement last week. Yet, for all its detail, it was critically lacking in essentials. He outlined a bold vision for more subways and expansion of planned light rail lines, while promising to give seniors free midday rides and other measures that would cut revenues.