Urban sprawl is sickening, as well as ugly

Editorial | Toronto Star: "Urban sprawl is ugly, inefficient and bad for the environment. It’s also – quite literally – sickening. The unhealthiness of spread-out, car-dependant neighbourhoods is clearly spelled out in a new study by St. Michael’s Hospital researchers. Urban planners, municipal leaders and city residents would be wise to pay close attention."

TTCriders.ca | Take Action: Will you support public transit this January 29?

TTCriders.ca On January 29 and 30 Toronto City Hall will be debating the 2014 City Budget. This City Budget determines how much funding the TTC receives. Come down to City Hall at 100 Queen Street West on January 29 and participate in the following events to call for more funding, better service, and lower fares. Please RSVP below. That way we can communicate with you easily and keep you up to date on our plans. For more information please contact Jess at jess@ttcriders.ca, 647 772 8770.:

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Buses, heavy rail, light rail

What is the best way to improve public transit in your town?

Superimposing rail on top of sprawl can be very divisive. Rail is fixed, meaning there are winners and losers. There is a big difference between heavy and light rail. Light rail can be good when the bus lines are already saturated with riders. Heavy rail (subways,commuters) can only be justified in extreme density. Subways send people underground to make room for cars above, and commuter rail prolongs the life of sprawl.

Why start at the top with capital-intensive projects? First make the buses fare-free. Then as the riding patterns develop, you will see where you need light rail, and, in extreme cases, heavy rail. When the buses are busy, rail will not be controversial.

Why is this obvious pattern not followed? That's right, because government is filled with people who are subservient to oil, auto, and sprawl profiteering. They want public transit to suck.

Solution? Start or join a free-transit campaign in your town.

So more cars keep pedestrians safer???

Pub Patio Playdate: "One of the reasons we live downtown is because it’s easy to get around without a car and as the little one gets older my attention is turning to preparing her to take advantage of our neighbourhood’s walkability."

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