Most Torontonians agree that fast, frequent and affordable transit systems are a key ingredient in sustainable, healthy and productive cities. Yet we seem to be unable to escape debates about where and what to build – and how to pay for it.
If we had sustainable revenue streams dedicated to transit like many other cities do, we could de-politicize the funding aspect of these debates. We could instead focus our energies on planning the network and improving services in order to secure the future residents want.
It’s not the first time we’re having this conversation, but there’s a key opportunity before us: in December, the City of Toronto will be reconsidering its Long Term Financial Plan. This is the chance to put new revenue tools in place to meet our goals for a rapidly growing city in a predictable, fair and responsible way.
