Toronto Mayor John Tory is proposing a significant change to his SmartTrack transit system, calling for a light rail section on its western leg. The mayor said he has received “objective, professional evidence” to push the city to make an alteration to the western portion of the plan that would include a mix of heavy and light rail through Etobicoke.
“The fundamental vision for SmartTrack is very sound. ‘Because of the high costs associated with heavy rail … LRT technology likely makes more sense,” Tory said.
The western leg of SmartTrack that would extend into Mississauga, could move ahead with one of three proposed corridor options.
Previously, Tory had said heavy rail would connect Mount Dennis, the westernmost stop on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, to the Mississauga Airport Corporate Centre, west of Renforth Drive and Eglinton Avenue West.
According to mayor’s statement, that portion should be linked by light rail only. City staff will now study this modification to the proposed plan, according to the mayor. Three different corridor options are listed in the report released.
Share on:
