A dramatic decision made yesterday for the the future of Toronto transit: Council voted 28-16 in favour of extending the Bloor-Danforth line into Scarborough, rather than the fully-funded Scarborough LRT (light rail transit).

The following link can be used to review item CC32.17 Scarborough Rapid Transit Options
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2013.CC37.17&utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=

Mayor Ford says, “The people of Scarborough have spoken, and we have listened. The 650,000 residents of Scarborough will finally get the transit they deserve.” However, this new subway plan hinges on whether the federal and provincial governments will agree to fund this massive project and the cost to taxpayers is anywhere from $1 billion – $1.5 billion.

Ford goes on to say, “The potential of a city lies in the mobility of its residents. We are investing in transit that will unlock the true potential of Toronto.” It’s doubtful that Ford’s analysis takes into account availability, affordability and physically accessibility of transit for women, given that women outnumber men in their regular use of public transit. One of the major concerns when it comes to transit, is which mode of transit has fewer stops. This is a safety issue, particularly for women traveling at night and with carts, carriages, walking devices. Accessibility through an intersectional lens must be incorporated into a needs assessment study on usage as well as safety audits.

See our briefing on women and transit: Moving_through_the_City_Print

Another items that was discussed yesterday was the Integrity Commissioner, Janet Leiper’s Annual Report. Leiper discussed the need for a culture shift from within. However, as Councillor Matlow pointed out, that without repercussions for councillors who violate codes of conduct, the report may have no teeth.

Take a look at Reports to Council by the Integrity Commissioner: http://www.toronto.ca/integrity/integrity-reports.htm#2013

To read the full report:
2013 Report