For Immediate Release
January 10, 2011
Toronto. Unnecessary fare hikes and service cuts, on top of eliminating the Transit City light rail network, will only encourage people to drive on our already congested roads. By putting forward a $0.10 TTC fare increase, a $5 per month increase to the cost of an adult Metropass, and service cuts to 48 TTC bus routes, Mayor Ford is sending Torontonians a clear and dangerous message: drive.
“Rather than making the TTC more accessible to Torontonians, Mayor Ford’s budget encourages Torontonians to take their cars,” said Jamie Kirkpatrick, Toronto Environmental Alliance’s Transit Campaigner. “He eliminated the $60 vehicle registration tax in December and now wants to increase the annual cost of the Metropass by $60.”
Since Mayor Ford took office he has built a rather dubious record on transit issues.
On his first day in office, he declared Transit City, the rapid light rail network extending to all corners of our city, dead and suggested that small and expensive extensions to the subway network were his preference. Should the subway expansion plan proceed, one in five Torontonians will lose access to fast, reliable transit.
Now by suggesting we raise fares and cut service on bus routes, the Mayor is making it even more difficult for Torontonians to use the TTC. This budget will not only inconvenience thousands of Torontonians but it represents a major step backward in city-wide efforts to address climate change.
“The Mayor’s budget will lead to increases in smog and greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging people to drive instead of take transit; and it will result in more road congestion,” said Jamie Kirkpatrick. “This is a major step backwards for our city.”
Encouraging Torontonians to move out of their cars and on to public transit is Toronto’s opportunity to realize the greenhouse gas reductions we need to reduce smog, have cleaner air, and mitigate climate change.
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For more information, contact: Jamie Kirkpatrick, cell 416-895-3406