Since the recent promise to spend 1.2 billion on the Spadina subway extension, it seems everyone is asking for money. But after comparing the relative benefit compared to the number of people who will actually have their service improved, is it really worth it?

The Star reports that it will cost at least $1 billion to replace the current fleet of streetcars. That doesn't even include upgrades to the current system. However, the report mentions that we're unable to purchase off-the-shelf streetcars from manufacturers partially because of the demands of the hill on Bathurst St. That line isn't actually being used for regular service, it's only used as a connection between the northern and southern streetcar systems. Perhaps they can work around it by building an alternate connection.

The Gardiner is falling apart. This isn't the elevated section that they're referring to here, but it seems to be in pretty bad shape. This section was originally designated the QEW and was downloaded to the city when the Harris government downloaded much of the provincial highway system to the municipalities. That might explain why they were so quick to dump it. I don't understand how the city can be asking the provincial government for money for this saying it's their responsibility. I'm usually the last one to blame Harris, but maybe the Mike Harris Expressway would be more appropriate.

via Torontoist