QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario NDP Deputy Leader Doly Begum (Scarborough Southwest) asked Ford’s Conservatives about the future of Scarborough transit during Question Period. With the looming closure of Scarborough RT, residents of the area are facing even longer commutes and wait-times.
“Scarborough residents already have some of the longest commute times in the city,” said Begum. “Ford’s Conservatives are refusing to fund a simple $2.9 million investment to ensure Scarborough residents have adequate transit options during the seven-year long planned construction of the Scarborough Subway Extension. Look at the delay in the Eglinton LRT - the people in Scarborough are not holding their breath for this subway opening any time soon.”
The original plan for the Scarborough RT closure was to create an off-street dedicated busway that would save commuters approximately ten minutes on their daily commute. However, latest reports show that due to lack of funding, the buses would continue to operate on-street, leading to longer commutes and increased congestion.
“Will Ford’s Conservatives commit to providing funding for an adequate SRT replacement service?”
The Scarborough RT (Line 3) is set to close in the fall, leaving approximately 35,000 daily riders without a viable option until 2030, when the Line 2 extension is scheduled to be completed.