Transit Toronto - Weblog

More Highway 427 overnight construction: MiWay detours, May 21, 22

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:53:57 -0500

Ontario Ministry of Transportation contractors continue to work on the project to upgrade Highway 427.

Overnight from 10 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, May 21 until 6 a.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, May 22, they’ll be closing the off-ramp for southbound traffic heading toward Burnhamthorpe Road.

MiWay is detouring buses operating along the 11 Westwood route, while the ramp is closed.

11 Westwood

From 10 p.m. Tuesday, May 21 until 6 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, southbound buses operate along their regular route to Highway 427 and the off-ramp to Burnhamthorpe Road, then proceed:

southward along Highway 427 and the off-ramp to Dundas Street West;
eastward along Dundas West;
southward along Islington Avenue;
westward along Bloor Street West; and then
northward into Islington Station terminal,
ending their trips.

Southbound buses skip their regular stops

on Burnhamthorpe Road at The East Mall, Blaketon Road, Laurel Avenue, east of Shaver Avenue and Burnelm Drive, at Ashbourne Drive, east of Botfield Avenue, at Kipling Avenue, Royalavon Crescent, Holloway Road and Burnhamthorpe Crescent,

on Cordova Avenue south of Dundas Street West and

on Central Park Roadway at Islington Avenue.

Instead, southbound buses drop off passengers at temporary stops

on Dundas Street West across from Billingham Road / Cloverdale Mall, at Shorncliffe Road, across from Wilmar Road, at Subway Crescent, across from Acorn Avenue, at Aukland Road, east of Summerland Terrace and Michael Power Place, at Mabelle, Cordova and Islington Avenues and

on Islington Avenue south of Dundas Street West.

Northbound buses operate along their regular route.

You can view a map of the detour routing here. (.pdf)

Davis Drive rapidway: more construction starts May 21

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:47:22 -0500

Metrolinx and York Region contractors continue the project to build a rapidway — bus-only lanes in the centre of the roadway — along Davis Drive in Newmarket.

Two more phases of the project start this week.

First, as crews continue to work on storm drains west of 200 Davis Drive near Parkside Drive, they can temporarily reopen the plaza entrance from Davis Drive entrance at the Longford Drive traffic lights starting today, Tuesday, May 21. This continues until June 3.

As the crews proceed to work around the area of the property, they may temporarily switch the access point to 200 Davis Drive plaza back to the temporary entrance off Parkside Drive. Signs will be in place to direct traffic and pedestrians

Crews are installing new infrastructure, utilities and preparing the foundation that will extend along the new portion of Parkside Drive to prepare for upcoming work to align Parkside Drive — on the south side of Davis — with Longford Drive — on the north side. The permanent access to 200 Davis Drive will be from Parkside Drive, once the road is re-aligned later this year.

Second, starting today, Tuesday, May 21, for about four weeks, and from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day, crews will temporarily closing two lanes of traffic on both the north and south sides of Davis Drive as they deliver and install hydro poles at:

Main Street and Davis Drive; and
between Prospect Street and Huron Heights Drive.

Crews will first work on the south side of Davis, moving east from Prospect Street to Roxborough Road. Then, they’ll crews work their way back west on the north side of Davis from Huron Heights Drive to Prospect Street.

If the work affects bus stops or sidewalks, directional signs will guide pedestrians to the nearest available bus stop or sidewalk.

GO Transit passengers riding express buses operating along the 65 Newmarket / Toronto route and York Region Transit passengers riding local buses operating along the 44 Woodspring - Bristol, 50 Queensway, 54 Bayview, 55 / 55B Davis Drive, 58 Mount Albert, 223 Newmarket GO shuttle and 520 / 521 Newmarket community routes should expect detours or delays.

Getting ready for rapidway construction: Highway 7 West, May 21 to 24

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:32:52 -0500

Metrolinx and York Region contractors continue to prepare for building a rapidway — bus-only lanes in the centre of the roadway — along Highway 7 West from west of Jane Street to east of Keele Street.

This week, from Tuesday, May 21 until Friday, May 24 and from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. each day, crews start removing trees between Jane and Keele Streets. They’re removing the trees so they can shortly start relocating utilities, widening the roadway and building retaining walls.

They have to remove about 62 trees of varying health and sizes. Metrolinx says its workers will “make a special effort” to protect 248 reamining trees. It says that once it’s finished the rapidway project, the landscaping will include more than 550 new trees.

During this phase of the work, they’re removing ash, Austrian pine, black locust, buckthorn, Colorado blue spruce, honey locust, ivory silk lilac, Manitoba maple, Norway maple, paper birch, pear and spruce. After construction, Metrolinx intends to install “attractive, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and extensive landscaping with many types of trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses and perennial flowers”.

Crews will remove trees in sections and chip the wood off-site. They’ll clean up all areas before moving on to the next location.

If necessary, they may temporarily block east- and westbound curb lanes from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Traffic control staff and “paid-duty” York Regional Police officers will be on site to direct motor vehicles and pedestrians.

Wherever possible, sidewalks will remain open. If the work blocks a sidewalk, directional signs will guide pedestrians to the nearest available sidewalk.

Passengers riding York Region Transit buses operating along the 77 Highway 7 / Centre route should expect delays.

"PRESTO Patio" at Danforth GO Station, May 22, 23

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:05:38 -0500

GO Transit is setting up a special “PRESTO Patio” inside Danforth GO Station, Wednesday, May 22 and Thursday, May 23, from 5:30 until 9:30 a.m. and from 2:45 until 6:45 p.m. At the PRESTO Patio, you can learn more about using the PRESTO fare card and ask staff questions about the card.

Metrolinx bridge construction at Ray Avenue: TTC detours start May 21

Mon, 20 May 2013 22:33:03 -0500

The Metrolinx projects to improve the Georgetown South rail corridor and to build the Union - Pearson Express line recently started working on the bridge over Ray Avenue in the Mount Dennis neighbourhood.

During this phase of the project, Metrolinx contractors are widening the bridge to handle more rail traffic. During construction, they’ll maintain pedestrian access at all times.

Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, May 21, the TTC is detouring buses operating along the 71B](#t71b) Runnymede route to accommodate the work.

71B Runnymede

Southbound buses operate along their regular route.

From Tuesday, May 21 until Friday, August 30, northbound buses operate along their regular route to Weston Road and Eglinton Avenue West, then detour:

eastward along Eglinton West;
northward along Black Creek Drive;
west- and northward along Todd Bayliss Drive; and then
west- and **northward along Industry Street to Ray Avenue,
resuming their regular route northward along Industry.

Northbound buses skip their regular stops

on Weston Road at Oxford Drive and Ray Avenue and

on Ray Avenue across from Bartonville Avenue East.

Lakeshore Road construction: Burlington Transit detours until November

Mon, 20 May 2013 22:23:46 -0500

The City of Burlington is closing

Lakeshore Road between Guelph Line and Martha Street

starting tomorrow, Tuesday, May 21to accommodate a Region of Halton contractors who are working on a project to replace the watermains.

The City of Burlington will follow the watermain work with a project to resurface the roadway and to install a multi-use pathway beside Lakeshore Road between Guelph Line and Torrance Street.

Burlington Transit is detouring buses operating along the 3 Guelph route, to accommodate the work. It’s also setting up a temporary dial-a-ride service to replace regular transit service along Guelph Line and Lakeshore Road, while the street is closed.

Construction and detours continue until November.

3 Guelph

Starting Monday, May 21, inbound buses operate along their regular route to Guelph Line and New Street, then detour:

westward along New;
southward along Martha Street;
westward along James Street; and then
southward along John Street to the Downtown Burlington Terminal,
ending their trips.

Inbound buses skip their regular stops

on Guelph Line south of New Street, across from Woodland Park Drive, at Second Street and Lakeshore Road,

on Lakeshore Road at Market and Green Streets, west of Delaware Avenue, at Stratheden Drive and Smith Avenue, west of Torrance Street and at Martha and Elizabeth Streets.

Instead, inbound buses drop off or pick up passengers at temporary stops

on New Street at Beverley Drive, beside the Burlington Seniors’ Centre, Lorne and Martha Streets and

on James Street at Pearl Street.

Outbound buses reverse the inbound detour routing.

Outbound buses skip their regular stops

on Elizabeth Street at Lakeshore Road,

on Lakeshore Road east of Old Lakeshore Road, across from Smith Avenue, east of Cliffcrest Court and at Green and St. Paul Streets and

on Guelph Line north of Lakeshore Road, at Princess Boulevard, Woodland Park Drive and New Street.

Instead, outbound buses drop off or pick up passengers at temporary stops

on James Street at Martha Street and

on New Street across from Holtby Avenue, at Smith, Stinson and Seneca Avenues and across from Beverley Drive.

You can view a map of the detour route here. (.pdf)

3 Guelph dial-a-ride

During construction, Burlington Transit will operate dial-a-ride between the intersection of Guelph Lne and New Street (point “H” on the map) and the downtown terminal.

The service is available:

Mondays to Fridays, from 5:45 a.m. until 11 p.m.;

Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. until 11 p.m.; and

Sundays from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Call 905-335-1113 to reserve a ride.

You can view a map of the dial-a-ride route here. (.pdf)

Inbound buses operate toward downtown.

Outbound buses operate away from downtown.

Toronto Transit Commission meets, May 24

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:09:18 -0500

The Toronto Transit Commission meets this Friday, May 24 at 1 p.m. in Committee Room 2, Second Floor, City Hall, 100 Queen Street West.

During the meeting, the commissioners will discuss staff reports recommending that they

consider the Toronto City Manager’s report recommending that City Council endorse certain “revenue tools” — taxes, tolls and fees — to support Metrolinx’s “Big Move” plans to expand transit in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton. You can read the report here. (.pdf)
approve a policy of encouraging TTC contractors to hire local young people as apprentices or develop training programs to benefit nearby communities during TTC construction project. You can read the report here. (.pdf)
support the City of Toronto and the Toronto Police Service in their efforts to develop more punitive traffic fines. (Heavier finds would discourage illegal motorist activities that block roadways and delay transit services.) You can read the report here. (.pdf)

The commissioners will also review:

the Chief Executive Officer’s report on TTC activities for March 2013. You can read the report here. (.pdf)
the TTC draft financial statements for 2012. You can read the report here. (.pdf)
a plan for introducing the new streetcars into service. (Report not yet available).
the TTC’s five-year corporate plan. (Report not yet available).

They’ll also consider a motion from Commissioner Heisey that the TTC endorse a plan by the Toronto Police Service to use cameras enforce traffic restrictions along the Bay Street Clearway and the King Street Streetcar-Priority Lanes. You can read the motion here. (.pdf)

You can view the agenda for the meeting here.

Toronto Transit Commission meetings are public meetings — anyone may attend. If you wish to speak to the Commission about an item on its agenda, e-mail the Co-ordinator — Secretariat Services at: gso@ttc.ca before Thursday, May 23.

You can find out more about making a deputation — or presentation — to the commission here.

Leslie Barns and Leslie connection track: Public information meeting, May 21

Sun, 19 May 2013 22:14:06 -0500

In March, the City of Toronto and the TTC consulted with residents of the area near the future Leslie Barns maintenance and storage facility for the new streetcars. During that meeting, staff revealed plans for building the structure, the tracks connecting it to Queen Street East and a schedule for construction along Leslie Street.

Since then, staff have also consulted with business owners along Leslie Street and Queen Street East to allow them to comment on the plans.

They’re following up on what they learned the public during that earlier meeting and the later meetings with merchants, by hosting a second public information meeting this Tuesday, May 21. During this event, they’ll discuss how they have revised their plans for building the facility and the tracks and how they’re planning to manage traffic while Leslie Street is closed for construction.

They’ve posted a consultation report here (.pdf). During the Tuesday meeting, staff will explain how they’ve updated the original construction plans and provide more information so that they can finalize a plan the best serves local residents, businesses, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. The plan includes strategies to keep transit passengers moving, provide access for cyclists and pedestrians to the Martin Goodman Trail, prevent traffic from moving onto residential streets and keep traffic flowing on major roads.

The City and TTC start major construction Leslie later this month. They’ll be upgrading the streetscape, lighting, sidewalks, sewers, watermains and other utilities. The project includes hundreds of native trees and public art.

The meeting takes place:

Tuesday, May 21
From 6:30 until 9 p.m.
Morse Street Junior Public School
Gymnasiaum
180 Carlaw Avenue
south of Queen Street East

Open house: from 6:30 until 7 p.m.
Presentation and discussion: from 7 until 9 p.m.

Getting there by public transit

Northbound TTC buses operating along the 72 Pape route to Carlaw Avenue and Queen Street East. Cross Carlaw and walk south.

Southbound buses operating along the 72 Pape route to Carlaw Avenue and Queen Street East. Cross Queen East and continue walking south.

Eastbound streetcars operating along the 501 Queen and 502 Downtowner routes to Queen Street East and Carlaw Avenue. Walk southward along Carlaw.

Westbound streetcars operating along the 501 Queen and 502 Downtowner routes to Queen Street East and Carlaw Avenue. Cross Carlaw Avenue and Queen Street East to the southwest corner, then continue walking southward along Carlaw.

"The West Wants In": Western GTA talks transit during summit in Mississauga, May 21

Sun, 19 May 2013 18:27:27 -0500

During the 2013 Western GTA Summit leading municipal politicians and civic leaders discuss the dominant issues facing the more than 1.6 million people living in the Western Greater Toronto Area. The central questions that guide the event are: Are we facing economic gridlock? What can we do to change the way we live, thrive and prosper in the 21st century?

Each of the member municipalities that are participating in the summit share similar challenges around growth, congestion and unemployment. More importantly, each municipality has residents that want a say in the important issues facing their communities and the larger region. To satisfy this desire, the Western GTA Summit will convene the political, business and community leaders of the area and charge them with finding common ground to discuss solutions to these pressing concerns.

The Mississauga Summit is built on three pillars: Live, Move and Thrive. The 2013 Western GTA Summit will address the central question by building on each of these pillars.

Move: How can we address the issues of congestion, and build transit and transportation systems that move our residents quickly, affordably and seamlessly across the GTA? What will our integrated transit, road and air transportation networks look like, and more importantly, how will we pay for them?

Live: Do we need to change the way in which we live and design our communities? What should our future neighbourhood and city growth look like? Do we require changes in zoning, density and urban design, and what about the call for an end to sprawl?

Thrive: Poverty rates remain a serious concern in the GTA, but how we will we fight it? How will we tackle homelessness, precarious employment and the increasing use of food banks? What innovations and employment opportunities will we create for youth, seniors, new immigrants and the working poor to ensure everyone has a chance to thrive?

The keynote speakers will frame the question and provide context to the three themes of live, move and thrive; the panel discussions, including one featuring four mayors, will develop the big question further in a regional context; and the roundtable discussions will enable citizens to discuss the important points that the speakers raised during their keynote speeches.

The Western GTA Summit is free but you must register to attend. To register or find out more information, please visit www.westerngtasummit.ca

The event takes place:

Tuesday, May 21
from 1 until 9 p.m.
Mississauga Convention Centre
75 Derry Road West
Mississauga

The co-chairs of the summit are:

Emil Kolb, chair, Regional Municipality of Peel;
Garry Carr, chair, Regional Municipality of Halton;
Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion;
Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell;
Caledon Mayor Marolyn Morrison;
Oakville Mayor Rob Burton;
Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring; and
Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette.

Summit civic (or citizen) co-chairs are:

Brian Crombie, Mississauga;
Peter VanSickle, Brampton;
Michelle DiEmanuele, Mississauga;
Tayler Parnaby, Caledon;
Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, Oakville; and
Alf Zeuner, Burlington.

The Mississauga Summit began in 2007 as a way to bring residents together to find opportunities to make Mississauga better. The four summits to date have all sparked engaging discussions, but have also produced results, including the forming task forces on:

redeveloping and revitalizing the Mississauga waterfront;
building stronger neighbourhoods;
improving diversity and inclusion;
improving post-secondary education; and
increasing jobs and innovation.

The Summit’s ultimate goal is to accelerate progress in Mississauga and the surrounding region. Past keynote speakers have included John Tory, Joe Berridge, David Crane, David Suzuki and Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary.

Getting there by public transit:

Eastbound MiWay buses operating along the 42 Derry route to Derry Road West and Maritz Drive. Cross Maritz and Derry West to the northeast corner of Derry West and Kingsway, walk north half block along Kingsway.
Westbound MiWay buses operating alnog the 42 Derry route to Derry Road West and Kingsway Drive. Walk north half block along Kingsway.
Southbound Brampton Transit buses operating along the 502 Züm Main route to Derry Züm station. Walk west along Derry Road West to Kingsway Drive, then half block north.
Northbound Brampton Transit buses operating along the 502 Züm Main route to Derry Züm station. Cross both Hurontario Street and Derry Road to the northwest corner of Hurontario and Derry. Walk west along Derry West to Kingsway Drive, then half block north.
Eastbound MiWay buses operating along the 15 Drew and southbound buses operating along the 19 Hurontario and 103 Hurontario express routes to Hurontario Street and Derry Road West. Walk west along Derry Road West to Kingsway Drive, then half block north.
Westbound MiWay buses operating along the 15 Drew and northbound buses operating along the 19 Hurontario and 103 Hurontario express routes to Hurontario Street and Derry Road East. Cross both Hurontario Street and Derry Road to the northwest corner of Hurontario and Derry. Walk west along Derry West to Kingsway Drive, then half block north.

Public transit for the future: Who pays? Civic 17 hosts public event, May 21

Sun, 19 May 2013 17:14:57 -0500

Everyone from Kitchener to Newcastle seems to agree that expanding public transit in our region is a pressing need. That’s why Metrolinx developed The Big Move, its regional transportation plan and why it has also consulted with residents throughout the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton.

However, Civic 17, a public advocacy group in Toronto’s Ward 17, wants to hear what residents of the area think.

They’re hosting a public information event this Tuesday, May 17, to help residents understand how Metrolinx wants to upgrade regional transit and also how it proposes to pay for new transit lines. Should the Ontario Government create new “revenue tools” to fund the new buses, LRTs and subways? Pay for them with taxes? Raise fares?

This event is a chance for Ward 17 residents to hear from experts about the region’s transportation needs, the plans to build transit and the options to pay for it.

Expert Panel:
Dina Graser, Metrolinx
Linda Weichel, CivicAction.
Luca De Franco, TTCriders
Cameron MacLeod, CodeRedTO

Civic17 has also invited several local politicians to share their ideas and position on funding transit, including:

City of Toronto councillor Cesar Palacio;
Member of provincial parliament, Jonah Schein; and
Member of (federal) parliament, Andrew Cash.

The event takes place:
Tuesday, May 21,
from 6 until 8 p.m.,
Dufferin / St. Clair Library
1625 Dufferin Street
(Two blocks south of St. Clair Avenue West)

Civic17 is “a non-partisan, volunteer organization that connects Ward 17 residents to each other and to opportunities to engage in local and city-wide civic issues”.

Getting there by public transit:

southbound TTC buses operating along the 29 Dufferin route to St. Clair Avenue West. Cross St. Clair West and Dufferin to the southeast corner, then walk one block south along Dufferin to the library.
northbound buses operating along the 29 Dufferin route to Dufferin Street and St. Clair Avenue West. Walk south one block.
eastbound streetcars operating along the 512 St. Clair route to Dufferin Street. Walk one block south along Dufferin to the library.
westbound streetcars operating along the 512 St. Clair route to Dufferin Street. Cross Dufferin to the southeast corner, then walk one block south along Dufferin to the library.

In the news: Sunday, May 19, 2013

Sun, 19 May 2013 06:14:32 -0500

Greater Toronto and Golden Horseshoe area media report on public transit issues today.

Greater Toronto Area

BlogTO post, “Is Metrolinx replacing enough of the trees it’s cut down?”, here.
BlogTO post, “The past and future of Mount Dennis”, here.
BlogTO post, “Photo of the Day: I can beat you”, here.
CBC News Toronto report, “TTC adds WheelTrans buses as elevator strike continues” here. (May 13)
CodeRedTO.com post, “Spring Public Meetings Roundup”, here.
CodeRedTO.com post, “Ward 17 Event: “Public Transit for the Future: Who Pays?”, here.
Global News Toronto report, “Highway 427 extension will start in 2017, if budget passed: Wynne”, here.
InsideToronto.com editorial, “Transit must be at the forefront of provincial debate”, here.
InsideToronto.com column, “BEYOND THE HEADLINES: Transit debate shows council at its weakest”, here.
InsideToronto.com article, “Metrolinx seeks input on the future of Eglinton”, here.
InsideToronto.com article, “TTC boosts summer service to attractions”, here.
Metro Toronto article, “Mulcair says federal government should have a role in funding for big city transit”, here.
Metro Toronto’s Ford for Toronto post, “City Hall’s very messy transit fight leaves some hope for transit expansion”, here.
Metro Toronto’s Ford for Toronto post, “How Toronto City Council came up $500 million short in transit debate”, here.
Metro Toronto’s Urban Compass Toronto post, “More people should be talking about GO Transit’s Scarborough potential”, here
Ride This Crazy Train post, “DRT Pulse and what it means for Highway 2 GO bus passengers (west of Oshawa)”, here.
Ride This Crazy Train post, “GO adds free WiFi to more GO stations and 60 more parking spaces at Oshawa GO Station”, here.
Ride This Crazy Train post, “I spy with my little eye…”, here.
Ride This Crazy Train post, “Considering this guy rides the train like he’s in his living room, that’s the closest he’ll ever get to an attractive woman”, here.
Ride This Crazy Train post, “I got up and asked the lady on the stairs if she would like to sit and then moved the back pack”, here.
Spacing Toronto post, “City Hall’s transit double negative”, here.
Spacing Toronto post, “HEAD SPACE: Q&A with the TTC’s Chris Upfold”, here.
Spacing Toronto post, “STREET SCENE: View over transit”, here.
Steve Munro’s post, “Five years, seven goals: Where will the TTC be in 2018”, here.
Steve Munro’s post, “Metrolinx Announces Design Changes and Public Meetings on Eglinton LRT (Update 7)”, here.
Steve Munro’s post, “Waterfront West Update (Revised May 15, 2013)”, here.
Steve Munro’s post, “Spadina Reconstruction News (Updated May 15, 2013)”, here.
Steve Munro’s post, “Irresponsible Madness at City Hall (Update 2)”, here.
Steve Munro’s post, “A Few Delicate Questions About the Scarborough Subway (Updated)”, here.
Steve Munro’s post, “Service Continuity on Kingston Road”, here.
Steve Munro’s post, “TTC Meeting Wrapup: April 24, 2013 (Updated)”, here.
The Grid article, “Has the ‘subway Scarborough needs’ already (sort of) been built?”, here.
The Grid article, “Putting the train before the passengers in yet another subway vs. LRT debate”, here.
The Grid article, “Provincial funding is great for the city, but comes with a whole other set of problems”, here.
The Grid’s The Keenan Wire post, “Council transit funding debate: What the hell was that?”, here.
The Grid post, “‘The subway Scarborough deserves’”, here.
Torontoist post, “City Council Debates Transit Funding: Anatomy of a Fiasco”, here.
Torontoist post, “Irresponsible Madness at City Hall”, here.
Torontoist post, “Duly Quoted: Andy Byford on the Future of the TTC”, here.
Torontoist post, “Duly quoted: Karen Stintz on Transit Funding”, her.
Torontoist post, “Ontario Budget: One Small Step For Transit Funding”, here.
Torontoist post, “Historicist: Opposing the Subway”, here.
Torontoist post, “Here’s a Picture of One of the TTC’s New Articulated Buses”, here.
Toronto Life’s Daily Informer post, “Reaction Roundup: council’s petty and ultimately useless transit debate”, here.
Toronto Standard post, “Another Day, Another Council Clusterf*ck on Transit”, here.
Toronto Standard post, “Businesses Bite Back: On Transit Revenue Tools and the Federal Government”, here.
Toronto Star column, “Toronto spits at province over transit debacle”, here.
Toronto Star article, “Eglinton tunnel boring machine still idle”, here.
Toronto Star commentary, “The West (GTA) wants in on regional transit”, here.
Toronto Star article, “Brampton, Mississauga at odds over transit projects”, here.
Toronto Star article, “No taxes without more transit, Ajax-Pickering businesses tell Metrolinx”, here
Toronto Star article, “Highway 427 extension north to Major Mackenzie to be built by 2020”, here.
Toronto Sun article, “Charges withdrawn against TTC union reps in collector theft case”, here.
Town Crier article, “Why we need new cash for transit”, here.
Urban Toronto post, “Finish Line In Sight For TTC’s Pape Station Modernization”, here.
Urban Toronto post, “Photo of the Day: Union Station”, here.
Yonge Street post, “Metrolinx listens to community, reverts to old plan”, here.

Elsewhere in the Greater Golden Horseshoe

CBC News Hamilton article, “City nixes transit-only lane in downtown”, here.
Guelph Mercury article, “Battle gridlock: Guelph mayor”, here.
Guelph Mercury article, “Guelph’s Carden Street to be closed down during Ticat games”, here.
Hamilton Spectator article, “Councillors scrap bus-only lane on King Street”, here.
Hamilton Spectator article, “Status quo ‘no longer option’ to break gridlock: Ontario chamber business CEO”, here.
Hamilton Spectator article, “Fraud ends free bus rides for disabled cane users”, here.
Hamilton Spectator article, “Traffic restrictions due to Lakeshore Road project”, here.
Lindsay Post article, “Consultant to city [of Kawartha Lakes]: Ask for a GO bus”, here.
article, “Trolley’s future up for debate”, here.
Lindsay Post article, “Two companies bid on [Kawartha Lakes] dial-a-ride rural transit”, here.
Lindsay Post article, “Company interested in trolley if it is for sale”, here.
MyKawartha.com article, “[City of Kawartha Lakes] Council awards dial-a-ride tender”, here.
NorthumberlandNews.com article, “New rules for Port Hope taxi operators”, here.
Northumberland Today article, “New [Port Hope] transit hours”, here.
Peterborough Examiner article, “Nicholls Park bus route restored after complaints”, here.
Peterborough Examiner article, “Changes coming to city bus routes, schedules”, here.

"EGLINTONConnects" public workshops: May 27, 28, June 4

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:43:20 -0500

The City of Toronto is working with partner agencies to make sure that neighbourhoods alond and near Eglinton Avenue remain desirable places in which to live, work and play.

One of those partners, Metrolinx, is investing about $6 billion to design and build the Eglinton - Scarborough Crosstown light rail transit line. By 2020, Metrolinx expects trains to be operating along the new line between Weston Road in the west and Kennedy Station in the east.

The City is undertaking EGLINTONConnects, a major planning study to review how the street operates and looks after the LRT is in place. City Planning staff want your ideas on how to design the street, improve the streetscape and encourage a mix of residential and commercial developments and how people get to and from the stations.

The underground portion of the LRT line stretches for 12 kilometres between Black Creek Drive and Brentcliffe Road, resulting in an opportunity to remove some bus and carpool lanes on Eglinton. As part of the EGLINTONConnects study, the City is investigating how best to use this roadway space. This transportation study includes identifying the problems and opportunities, developing and evaluating reasonable alternative solutions and providing opportunities for you to have your say about any plans or proposals.

You can take part in any of three public workshops to provide your comments and ideas. Tell City staff what you think about traveling, greening and building along Eglinton.

At each of the workshops, the display panels and presentation will mostly be the same. However, the each event includes “breakout” sessions or workshops during which you can discuss areas where more intense development may be appropriate.

Let them know your ideas about:

how the City can best use the extra street space to serve all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit and drivers;
how the City can add more public space, trees and vegetation and better connect Eglinton Avenue to nearby parks;
what kind of development should be in the six focus areas; and
how the City should manage the growth of residential, mixed-use, and employment areas.

This round of public consultation includes three events:

the east workshop, focusing on Laird, Don Mills and the Golden Mile;
the central workshop, focusing on Dufferin, Bayview and Laird; and
the western workshop, focusing on Caledonia and Dufferin.

Events take place:

You may drop into any of the events at any time. However, the schedule for each is:

6 p.m.: Display panels and questions and answers with the study team;
6:30 p.m.: Overview presentation; and
from 7 until 9 p.m.: “Breakout” sessions and workshops.

Monday, May 27

Ontario Science Centre
770 Don Mills Road
south of Eglinton Avenue East

Getting there by public transit

Southbound TTC buses operating along the 25 Don Mills route to the Science Centre.
Northbound buses operating along the 25 Don Mills route Don Mills Road and Gateway Boulevard [north]. Cross Don Mills Road at the signal to the Science Centre.
Buses operating along the 34 Eglinton East and 100 Flemingdon Park routes to Eglinton Avenue East and Don Mills Road. Walk south along the west side of Don Mills to the Science Centre.

Wednesday, May28

Forest Hill Collegiate Institute
730 Eglinton Avenue West
(Just west of Chaplin Crescent)
Drop in any time between 5:30 and 9 p.m.
The presentations and workshop start at 6:30 p.m.

Getting there by public transit

Eastbound TTC buses operating along the 32 Eglinton West route and southbound buses operating along the 33 Forest Hill route to Gardiner Road. Walk half block westward to Vesta Drive, cross Eglinton Avenue West at the signal and walk northward to the door.
Westbound TTC buses operating along the 32 Eglinton West route to Vesta Drive. Walk northward to the the door.
Southbound buses operating along the 7 Bathurst route to Bathurst Street and Eglinton Avenue West. Cross Bathurst Street at the signal and walk three blocks eastward.
Northbound buses operating along the 7 Bathurst route to Bathurst Street and Eglinton Avenue West. Cross both Bathurst and Eglinton West at the signal and walk three blocks eastward.
Northbound buses operating along the 33 Forest Hill route to Spadina Road and Eglinton Avenue West. Cross Eglinton West at the signal and walk two blocks westward.
Southbound buses operating along the 14 Glencairn route to Chaplin Crescent and Eglinton Avenue West. Walk three blocks westward.
Northbound buses operating along the 14 Glencairn route to Chaplin Crescent and Eglinton Avenue West. Cross Eglinton West at the signal and walk three blocks westward.

Tuesday, June 4

York Memorial Collegiate Institute
2690 Eglinton Avenue West
(Just west of Trethewey Drive / Keele Street)
Drop in any time between 5:30 and 9 p.m.
The presentations and workshop start at 6:30 p.m.

Getting there by public transit:

Eastbound TTC buses operating along the 32A / 32B / 32D Eglinton West route to Keele Street. Cross Eglinton Avenue West; walk half-block west.
Westbound buses operating along the 32A / 32B / 32C / 32D Eglinton West route to Trethewey Drive. Cross Trethewey; walk half-block west.
Eastbound buses operating along the 32C Eglinton West via Trethewey route to Eglinton Avenue West east of Keele Street. Cross Eglinton West and Trethewey Drive; walk half-block west.
Southbound buses operating along the 41 Keele route to Keele Street south of Eglinton Avenue West. Cross Eglinton West; walk half-block west.
Northbound buses operating along the 41 Keele route to Eglinton Avenue West. Cross Eglinton West and Trethewey Drive; walk half-block west.

Highway 7 East rapidway construction, May 18 to 24

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:12:39 -0500

Metrolinx and York Region contractors continue to work on the project to build a rapidway — bus-only rapid transit lanes in the centre of the roadway — along Highway 7 East in Markham and Richmond Hill.

Here’s what’s going on this week:

Lane closures between Highway 404 and Bayview Avenue

between Highway 404 and Bayview Avenue — Starting Tuesday, May 21 from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day: contractors are closing multiple lanes. Work continues until May 24.
between the Highway 404 off-ramp and West Beaver Creek Road / Commerce Valley Drive West — 24 hours a day, starting Victoria Day, Monday, May 20: Repaving the roadway. Expect noise and major impact on traffic. Work continues until May 24.
Commerce Valley Drive East — Contractors are closing the northbound left lane. Work continues until May 31.
East Beaver Creek Road — from 6:30 p.m. today until 6 a.m. tomorrow and continuing overnight nightly: Contractors are closing the southbound left-turn lane. Work continues until 6 a.m. May 25.
Leslie Street — from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. each day: contractors are closing the northbound left-turn lane and southbound right-turn lane at Highway 7. Work continues until May 24.
between Leslie Street and Saddlecreek Drive — from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day: Contractors are closing small sections of the east- and westbound centre lanes. Work continues until May 24.
Bayview Avenue — From 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. each day: Contractors are closing the northbound curb lane. Work continues until June 14.

Lane closures between Warden Avenue and Highway 404

at the ramp from Highway 407 onto Warden Avenue — Starting Tuesday, May 21 from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. each day: Contractors are closing multiple lanes. Expect heavier traffic than usually. Work continues until May 24.
Warden Avenue — From 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. each day: Contractors are closing the southbound curb lane between Cedarland Drive and Highway 407. Work continues until May 31.
Cedarland Drive — From 7 p.m. tonight until 7 a.m. tommorrow and continuing overnight nightly. Contractors are closing the street to traffic until further notice.
Woodbine Avenue — from 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. each day: Contractors are closing the northbound right-turn lane south of Highway 7. Work continues until May 24.
Woodbine Avenue — Contractors are closing the northbound curb lane north of Highway 7. Work continues until May 24.
at the ramps onto and from Highway 404 — from 6 p.m. tonight until 7 a.m. tomorrow and continuing overnight nightly: Contractors are closing various lanes. Expect heavier traffic than usual and noise. Work continues until 7 a.m. May 31.
at the ramps onto and from Highway 404 — from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day: Contractors are closing various lanes. Expect heavier traffic than usual and noise. Work continues until May 31.

TTC passengers riding buses operating along the 24 Victoria Park, 68 Warden and 224 Victoria Park North routes and York Region Transit passengers riding buses operating along the Viva pink, Viva purple, 1 Highway 7, 40 Unionville local, 82 Valleymede / Spadina, 86B Rutherford / 16th Avenue, 90 Leslie, 91 Bayview and 224B Woodbine routes should expect delays.

YRT is also:

detouring eastbound Viva buses serving the pink and purple routes along High Tech Road, instead of Highway 7, during construction of “Bayview Towers” — the station at Highway 7 and Bayview Avenue. The buses serve a temporary eastbound Bayview vivastation at the southeast corner of High Tech and Bayview.

Read Transit Toronto’s February 12, 2012 post for more information about the detour.

The detour continues until early 2013.

Broadview Avenue track repairs: TTC detours, May 18, 19, 20

Fri, 17 May 2013 06:03:06 -0500

TTC crews are repairing the streetcar tracks on Broadview Avenue at the intersections with Withrow and Riverdale Avenues this weekend.

During the work, the TTC’s detouring streetcars operating along the 504 King and 505 Dundas routes. 504 / 505 King shuttle buses replace the cars, operating between Broadview Station and King Street East at Sherbourne Street.

505 Dundas

From 7 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, May 18 until 5 a.m. Victoria Day, Monday, May 20, westbound cars start their trips on Gerrard Street East west of Broadview Avenue, then proceed:

along their regular route southward along Broadview.

Westbound cars skip their regular stops

in Broadview Station terminal,

on Erindale Avenue at Broadview Avenue,

on Broadview Avenue at Danforth Avenue, across from Wolfrey Avenue, Millbrook Crescent, Bain, Withrow and Langley Avenues, at Jack Layton Way and Gerrard Street East.

Instead, westbound cars drop off or pick up passengers at a temporary stop

on Gerrard Street East at Broadview Avenue.

Eastbound cars operate along their regular route to Dundas Street East and Parliament Street, then detour:

northward along Parliament; and then
eastward along Gerrard Street East to Broadview Avenue,
ending their trips.

Eastbound cars skip their regular stops

on Dundas Street East east of Regent Street, at Sackville, Sumach, River and Munro Streets and Broadview Avenue,

on Broadview Avenue across from Mount Stephen Street, at Gerrard Street East, north of Simpson Avenue, at Langley, Withrow and Bain Avenues, Millbrook Crescent, Wolfrey and Danforth Avenues and

in Broadview Station terminal.

Instead, eastbound cars drop off or pick up passengers at temporary stops

on Parliament Street at Oak Street and Gerrard Street East and

on Gerrard Street East at Sackville, Sumach, River and Blackburn Streets and Broadview Avenue.

Eastbound passengers may transfer to 504 / 505 King shuttle buses at Gerrard Street East and Broadview Avenue to travel further northward along Broadview toward Broadview Station.

Eastbound passengers may also transfer to 504 King streetcars at Dundas Street East and Parliament Street to travel eastward along Dundas Street East between Parliament and Broadview Avenue.

504 King

From 7 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, May 18 until 5 a.m. Victoria Day, Monday, May 20, westbound cars start their trips on Dundas Street East west of Broadview Avenue, then proceed:

along their regular route southward along Broadview Avenue.

Westbound cars skip their regular stops

in Broadview Station terminal,

on Erindale Avenue at Broadview Avenue,

on Broadview Avenue at Danforth Avenue, across from Wolfrey Avenue, Millbrook Crescent, Bain, Withrow and Langley Avenues, at Jack Layton Way, Gerrard Street East, Mount Stephen Street and Dundas and Queen Streets East,

on Queen Street East at Carroll Street and

on King Street East at River, Sumach and Sackville Streets, across from Trinity Street and at Parliament Street.

Eastbound cars operate along their regular route to King Street East and Parliament Street, then detour:

northward along Parliament; and then
eastward along Dundas Street East to Broadview Avenue,
ending their trips.

Eastbound cars skip their regular stops

on King Street East at Trinity, Sackville, Sumach and St. Lawrence Streets,

on Queen Street East across from Carroll Street and at Broadview Avenue,

on Broadview Avenue north of Queen Street East, at Dundas Street East, across from Mount Stephen Street, at Gerrard Street East, north of Simpson Avenue, at Langley, Withrow and Bain Avenues, Millbrook Crescent, Wolfrey and Danforth Avenues and

in Broadview Station terminal.

Eastbound passengers may transfer to 504 / 505 King shuttle buses at stops on King Street East between Sherbourne and Parliament Streets to travel further eastward along King and Queen Streets East between Parliament and Broadview Avenue.

They may also transfer to the buses at Dundas Street East and Broadview Avenue to travel further northward along Broadview toward Broadview Station.

504 / 505 King shuttle bus

From 7 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, May 18 until 5 a.m. Victoria Day, Monday, May 20, buses replace 504 King and 505 Dundas cars on Broadview Avenue.

Westbound buses start their trips in Broadview Station terminal, then proceed:

westward along Erindale Avenue;
southward along Broadview Avenue; and then
eastward along Queen and King Streets East to Sherbourne Street,
ending their trips.

Westbound buses drop off or pick up passengers at stops

in Broadview Station terminal,

on Erindale Avenue at Broadview Avenue,

on Broadview Avenue at Danforth Avenue, across from Wolfrey Avenue, Millbrook Crescent, Bain Avenue (Sunday only), Withrow and Langley Avenues, at Jack Layton Way, Gerrard Street East, Mount Stephen Street and Dundas and Queen Streets East,

on Queen Street East at Carroll Street and

on King Street East at River, Sumach and Sackville Streets, across from Trinity Street and at Parliament, Ontario and Sherbourne Streets.

Westbound passengers may transfer to 504 King cars on Broadview Avenue at Dundas and Queen Streets East. They may transfer to 505 Dundas cars on Broadview Avenue at Gerrard and Dundas Streets East.

Eastbound buses start their trips at King Street East and Sherbourne Street, then proceed:

eastward along King and Queen Streets East;
northward along Broadview Avenue; and then
eastward into Broadview Station,
ending their trips.

Eastbound buses drop off or pick up passengers at stops

on King Street East at Sherbourne, Ontario, Parliament, Trinity, Sackville, Sumach and St. Lawrence Streets,

on Queen Street East across from Carroll Street and at Broadview Avenue,

on Broadview Avenue north of Queen Street East, at Dundas Street East, across from Mount Stephen Street, at Gerrard Street East, north of Simpson Avenue, at Langley and Withrow Avenues, at Bain Avenue (Sunday only), at Millbrook Crescent, Wolfrey and Danforth Avenues and

in Broadview Station terminal.

In the news: Thursday, May 16, 2013

Thu, 16 May 2013 22:55:08 -0500

Greater Toronto and Golden Horseshoe area media report on public transit issues today.

Greater Toronto Area

Canadian Press report (from the CTV News Torontowebsite), “Toronto City council votes against endorsing new transit taxes or fees”, here.
Canadian Press article (from the National Post website), “Man, 60, struck and killed by streetcar in east end Toronto”, here.
CBC News Toronto report, “Toronto city council rejects funding tools for transit”, here.
CBC News Toronto report, “Stintz happy council split with mayor on transit taxes”, here.
CBC News Toronto report, “Girl, 14, in hospital after being struck by TTC bus”, here.
CityNews Toronto report, ” - CityNews Toronto report, “Ontario Chamber of Commerce back transit taxes”, here.
CityNews Toronto report, “TTC head calls for increase transit funding”, here.
CityNews Toronto report, “TTC defends driver after woman screams to be let off bus”, here/
CTV News Toronto video, “TTC CEO presents five-year plan”, here.
Financial Post article, “The Big Picture: Bumper to bumper taxation”, here.
Financial Post article, “Public tolerance of P3s improves: A conversation with John Tory”, here.
Global News Toronto report, “Toronto councillors defy Ford, put transit report on the agenda”, here.
Global News Toronto report, “Highway 427 extension will start in 2017, if budget passed: Wynne”, here.
Globe and Mail column, “Transit debate descends into debacle”, here.
Globe and Mail column, “Toronto council’s non-decision on transit a selfish dereliction of duty”, here.
Globe and Mail column, “Transit vote mess is all about garnering electoral advantage”, here.
Globe and Mail article, “Numbers don’t back up Ford’s boast about saving taxpayers $1000”, here.
Globe and Mail editorial, “Let’s not derail this $34 billion transit plan for the Toronto area”, here.
Globe and Mail article, “Toronto councillors reject most transit funding tools”, here.
Globe and Mail article, “‘Are we crazy?’, Nunziata asks about debate on new taxes for transit”, here.
Globe and Mail article, “Mayor Ford loses fight to defer transit tax debate”, here.
Globe and Mail article, “TTC chief Andy Byford makes plea for political support”, here.
Globe and Mail article, “Why Toronto has been waiting for the subway for 100 years”, here.
Globe and Mail article, “Police look for man who threw bike in front of subway train”, here.
Globe and Mail article, “Man, 60, struck and killed by streetcar”, here.
Globe and Mail article, “Ontario not interested in Toronto subway extension, minister says”, here.
Globe and Mail article, “Subway or LRT for Scarborough? Commuters divided”, here.
Globe and Mail article, “Stintz says TTC should take over troubled bike share program”, here.
Globe and Mail article, “Transit won’t be part of budget negotiations with NDP: Ontario Liberals”, here.
Globe and Mail article, “Nix tolls for high-occupancy lanes, Horwath demands in return for Ontario budget support”, here.
Globe and Mail article, “905 summit gathering shifts focus from attention-grabbing Toronto”, here.
Globe and Mail article, “Ontario mayors back Wynne on transit funding”, here.
Globe and Mail article, “Toronto’s chief planner calls on city to lead transit discussion”, here.
Globe and Mail article, “Stintz says TTC should take over troubled bike share program”, here.
National Post article, “Posted Toronto Political Panel: City council’s debate on transit revenue tools ended in thoroughgoing disgrace”, here.
National Post article, “Toronto council rejects most ‘revenue tools’, as Ford high-fives allies, foes compare meeting to ‘dysfunctional kindergarten class’”, here.
National Post article, “‘Grow a spine’, ‘Shut up and go home’, Toronto council told as transit debate turns chaotic”, here.
National Post article, “‘I’ll hold them accountable’: Rob Ford lobs political threats at councillors willing to consider taxes to fund transit”, here.
National Post commentary, “Full Comment: Rob Ford’s opponents gang up and force a victory on him”, here.
National Post article, “Tense council vote overrules Rob Ford, transit funding debate will happen later this week”, here.
National Post commentary, “Full Comment: Ontario’s new transportation minister steps into the Metrolinx minefield”, here.
National Post article, “TTC chief executive Andy Byford seeks political consensus on transit funding”, here.
National Post article, “Toronto police investigating reports streetcar driver drove 2 km after accident that killed pedestrian”, here.
National Post article, “Man tosses bike onto TTC tracks”, here.
National Post article, “Rob Ford and Karen Stintz’s council showdown offers possible preview of 2014 mayoral race”, here.
National Post article, “Scarborough councillors make another bid to transform RT into a subway”, here.
National Post commentary, “Full Comment: NDP position themselves to make a deal with Liberals, avoid Ontario election”, here.
National Post article, “Western GTA summit will tackle region’s crippling gridlock”, here.
National Post article, “‘The West wants in’ - the western GTA, that is, as summit seeks to combat traffic congestion”, here.
National Post article, “Karen Stintz wants city to integrate Bixi bike share system into TTC”, here.
Toronto Star column, “Toronto City Council litters the path to transit heaven with political landmines”, here.
Toronto Star editorial, “This is no time to tinker with Toronto region transit”, here.
Toronto Star editorial, “Toronto city council bungles the transit file”, here.
Toronto Star column, “City Hall on calculated political gamble with transit”, here.
Toronto Star commentary, “Roll back corporate tax cuts to pay for transit”, here.
Toronto Star article, “TTC’s Andy Byford calls on council for more money, more support”, here.
Toronto Star article, “TTC defends driver who refused to let ill passenger off bus”, here.
Toronto Star article, “Toronto split on transit vote”, here.
Toronto Star article, “Scarborough councillors seek subway line instead of LRT”, here.
Toronto Star article, “Queen’s Park won’t reopen Scarborough subway talks”, here.
Toronto Star article, “Metrolinx puts Leslie back on the Crosstown map”, here.
Toronto Star article, “Weston Mount Dennis residents will have input into Crosstown LRT storage site”, here.
Toronto Star article, “Weston Mount Dennis residents look to Metrolinx to create jobs when it builds Crosstown LRT”, here.
Toronto Star article, “Memories of a former Kodak employee”, here.
Toronto Star article, “Brampton mayor’s last-minute LRT alternative stuns Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion”, here.
Toronto Star column, “Picking up the GTA transit bill”, here.
Toronto Star article, “Burlington residents face driveway squeeze”, here.
Toronto Star article, “Toronto city council wades into murky transit talks”, here.
Toronto Star article, “Mayor Rob Ford and TTC chair Karen Stintz face off at Council”, here.
Toronto Star column, “City Hall on calculated political gamble with transit”, here.
Toronto Star column, “Scarborough subway: Little chance with this lot”, here.
Toronto Star article, “Transit tax: Toronto council ignores Ford to hold debate”, here.
Toronto Sun article, “Mayor Ford happy about transit tax victory”, here.
Toronto Sun article, “Council sent province clear message on transit taxes, Mayor Rob Ford says”, here.
Toronto Sun article, “Council doesn’t endorse any transit tax, Rob Ford claims”, here.
Toronto Sun article, “PCs laud Toronto council decision on transit taxes”, here.
Toronto Sun article, “A transit train wreck at City Hall”, here.
Toronto Sun column, “Can we start an Andy Byford for mayor movement?”, here.
Toronto Sun article, “TTC supports bus driver decision not to let sick passenger off”, here.
Toronto Sun article, “Man dies after rolling under streetcar”, here.
Toronto Sun article, “Bike thrown on TTC subway tracks”, here.
Toronto Sun article, “Gun-toting man spotted on TTC”, here.
Toronto Sun article, “Transport minister nixes hope for Scarborough subway”, here.
Toronto Sun article, “Karen Stintz wants TTC to take over Bixi”, here.
Toronto Sun article, “Lack of transit funding hurting Toronto: City planner Jennifer Keesmaat”, here.
Toronto Sun article, “Ford targets transit tax supporters”, here.
Toronto Sun article, “Toronto city council votes to hold transit tax debate, Ford overruled”, here.
Toronto Sun article, “Toronto city council wades into transit taxes debate”, here.

Elsewhere in the Greater Golden Horseshoe

CBC News Hamilton report, “Hamilton integrity commissioner will investigate Bratina exchange”, here.
CBC News Hamilton report, “Toronto didn’t pay, so Hamilton shouldn’t either, councillors say”, here.
CBC News Kitchener-Waterloo report, “Waterloo regional council ratifies bus fare hike”, here.