URBAN PLANNING AND URBAN IMPACT OF LIGHT RAIL SYSTEMS: INTRODUCING 'TRANSIT CITY' LRT IN TORONTO

Toronto’s 2006 Official Plan, which sets the vision and framework for the city’s long term growth, emphasizes the important link between public transit and land use. The Plan calls for all new development and population centers to be located at existing rapid transit stations or along major transit corridors. The Plan also prioritizes the development of a “Transit City” light rail transit (LRT) system. Existing traffic lanes will be converted into LRT rights-of-way on eight routes. LRT was chosen over other types of transit because of its cost, environmental impact and vehicle capacity advantages. It also is the best way to meet the city’s projected demand of 120 million riders by 2031.