Mixed Reviews for Plan to Replace Queen Streetcars with Buses
The TTC’s announcement that it will replace streetcars with buses during repairs to Queen St. this summer has jumpstarted conversation on social media.
Facebook and Twitter were flooded Wednesday morning with Torontonians bemoaning the change to their commute, criticizing the timing, and complaining about the construction projects that are causing the conversion.
Some were worried that putting more buses on the road would create more pollution.
“Buses are more harmful for the environment than streetcars, as streetcars run on electricity and not fuel,†wrote TJ Phelan on Facebook.
However, tweeters and Facebook users who welcomed the switch also weighed in.
“As long as there are plenty of extra buses to accommodate transit users, this is a great idea for Queen . . . or any streetcar street that doesn’t have a dedicated lane like Spadina or Queens Quay,†wrote Andre Rauch on Facebook.
Have Your Say
TTC users praised the convenience and comfort of buses.
“This is great news for me because it means I can take my little guy on the bus along Queen,†wrote Gail McInnes on Facebook. “Carrying a stroller up those streetcar steps is way too hard so I’ve always avoided taking any routes with streetcars when I have the stroller.â€
“This may actually be awesome because buses, unlike streetcars, have (air conditioning),†said Sarah Magill in a Facebook post.
Plenty of other Rocket riders said they hoped this was the start of a system-wide switch to bus routes by the TTC.
“We had buses instead of streetcars on College for several months last year, and let me tell you, it was so much better. If one bus was already stopped at a stop, the one behind it would just drive around it, and head to the next stop . . . I miss the buses every day,†wrote Ciara McKeown on Facebook.
“Why not then take off the streetcars completely from the transit system and replace them with buses?†pondered Ewelina Rypel on Facebook. “Buses are much more maneuverable and when they break down at least they can be moved to the side instead of standing in the middle of downtown traffic.â€
Others reserved their judgment.
“I sincerely hope someone from the city is studying the change in traffic patterns on the route,†Anas Siddique wrote on Facebook. “Then perhaps we can get more information on the streetcar debate.â€
At the corner of Spadina Ave. and Queen St. W., Mallory Martin said the move would affect her when she’s cycling in the summer.
“I bike on the right side and the buses are going to be stopping whereas the streetcars stop in the middle of the road so it would be something to get used to,†Martin said. “But I think buses are a bit more efficient than the streetcar anyway so it’s probably a good idea.â€
Dieter Epp, who works a block away, was curious how it would affect his commute time.
“I’d love to see how long it takes me to get home when I have a bus as opposed to a streetcar because this is very slow and cumbersome to get anywhere.â€
With files from Hina Alam
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