A stretch of Bathurst Street in Toronto is plagued by transit problems, affecting thousands of commuters. More than 35,000 TTC riders rely on the 7 Bathurst bus and 511 Bathurst streetcar. However, these modes often arrive late due to congestion with vehicles sharing the road.
Common Issues
August Puranauth of TTC Riders highlights several common issues faced by commuters on Bathurst:
- Overcrowded buses and streetcars
- Unpredictable wait times
"As we’ve seen in other parts of the city," Puranauth explains, "dedicated transit lanes improve reliability and service for commuters using public transportation."
Proposed Changes
Under a current proposal by the City of Toronto and the TTC, dedicated transit and cycling lanes will be created from Bloor Street West to Lakeshore Boulevard West along Bathurst Street. This plan aims to alleviate congestion but has sparked concerns among business owners.
Business Owner Concerns
Jaclyn Verhoef, whose family owns Tattoo People on Bathurst Street, acknowledges the transit issues but emphasizes the importance of parking for customers. She states:
- "We’re not against improving public transportation."
- "We just don’t think it should come at a cost to our businesses."
Verhoef believes that removing parking spaces would negatively impact her shop and others along The Queensway.
Marco Santaguida, whose family runs several shops along The Queensway, including Bella Italia restaurant, shares similar concerns. He has been involved in the family business since 1996 and emphasizes the need for access:
- "Our businesses need access."
- Many residents drive themselves due to unreliable public transportation outside regular working hours.
Santaguida is not opposed to improving public transportation but insists it should not come at the expense of existing services. He states:
- "I’m sure if you ask anyone around here what do they want improved first, it’s definitely getting better public transportation."
- "I am against taking away something else that works well."
Conclusion
The proposed changes aim to address traffic congestion caused by cars sharing roads with buses during rush hour periods, specifically from Monday morning peak (7-9 am) through Friday afternoon peak (3-6 pm). The ongoing dialogue between residents, business owners, and transit authorities will be crucial in finding a balanced solution that meets the needs of all stakeholders.
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