[URBAN NOTE] "Poll Position: Toronto Wants a Downtown Relief Line (If They Live Downtown, at Least)"

[rfmcdonald]

Torontoist's Kelli Korducki reports on a new poll suggesting that, of all of the potential plans for subway expansion, the Downtown Relief Line connecting downtown Toronto with the east of the city has the edge.

A new poll shows that Torontonians are keen on a Downtown Relief Line—at least, keener than they are on other transit priorities. Unsurprisingly, the poll showed that opinion is largely dependent on where respondents live. Scarborough residents want a Scarborough subway, while downtowners are pro-DRL (even though the name is a misnomer, and primarily helps suburban residents commuting downtown). While 44 per cent of respondents approve of Mayor John Tory’s SmartTrack plan, only 23 per cent think it will have any benefit to them personally.

Forum research president Dr. Lorne Bozinoff says, “Despite the fact that the Mayor’s signature SmartTrack plan has the approval of most, the citizens of Toronto still see a downtown relief line for the junction of the Yonge and Bloor lines as the most urgent transit need in the city. And it is interesting to see that the ‘St. Clair Disaster’ is rated a success by those who actually use it.”