Toronto Environmental Alliance

16 November 2010
The Canadian Press

A new low-floor light rail vehicle (LRV) is seen in this composite image provided by the TTC. (CP24/TTC Handout)

An environmental group says Toronto should stick with its plans for light-rail transit to the suburbs, calling it the "greener way" of travel.

The study released today by the Toronto Environmental Alliance appeals to the city's new councillors and mayor-elect Rob Ford.

During the mayoral campaign Ford said streetcars were not the answer to Toronto's transit needs, and said he also wanted to halt the plan to build light-rail lines.

Ford has since backed away from the remark, saying he would not cancel an order that would "cost the taxpayers an arm and a leg."

The report urges the city to develop an analysis of smog emissions from current practices.

It also wants the city to continue with implementing the 2007 Transit City Plan, unless another solution can demonstrate a greater reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The report notes that, per dollar spent, the light-rail systems emit less than half the greenhouse gases of subways.

The Toronto Transit Commission ordered 204 streetcars in 2009 from Bombardier for more than $1.2 billion in what was billed as the largest single order for light-rail vehicles in the world.

As originally published here: http://www.cp24.com/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20101116/101116_toronto_streetcars_green/20101116/?hub=CP24Home