GTHA lacks transit planning

Re Urban transit falls short of reality, James, May 1 Toronto stands out as unique among North American urban regions by having virtually no formal structure for planning transit that is enshrined in legislation.

In contrast, American cities through Metropolitan Planning Organizations must prepare short- and long-term transit plans, and regularly update them.

Transit planning must be performed within a realistic financial framework, include cost-benefit analysis and consider alternatives. Regional plans are made in a “continuing, co-operative and comprehensive” manner with municipalities and transit agencies.

The problem with transit planning in Toronto is a structural one, exacerbated by individual politicians, and won’t be solved until we adopt a framework that sets out a standardized process for planning new transit. Alex Gatien, Toronto