David Crawford wrote a while ago …
You may want to put [this] somewhere, or on your pile of “interesting but irrelevant ideas”!
I read the TTC Mandate from the City www site today. Makes one wonder why the Toronto Island Ferry is not part of the TTC – I think it maybe used to be? The island ferry service is doubtless something the TTC does not want to take over but water transportation (ie an expanded ferry service) is something which could help move people if it were properly integrated into the public transit network.
Mandate
The Commission is responsible for the consolidation, co-ordination and planning of all forms of local passenger transportation within the urban area of Toronto, except for railways incorporated under federal and provincial statutes, and taxis.
The Commission’s functions are to construct, maintain and operate a local passenger transportation system, and to establish new passenger transportation services where required. The Commission may also operate parking lots in connection with the transit system, and may enter into an agreement with municipalities or persons situated within 40 kilometers of Toronto, to operate a local transportation service.
Ah yes, the TTC used to have a marine division called the “Ferry Department”. It was merged into the new Metropolitan Toronto Parks Department in 1954.
Of course, there would be some challenges if this were still a TTC operation.
- If the Sam McBride is half way across to Centre Island, and is short turned, do the passengers have to get off?
- Would crews exchange vessels in the middle of the harbour to get back on time?
- Would the TTC operate an express ferry to The Beach in competition with the Queen Car, and would it replace the express bus?
Finally, will Swan Boats ply the waters of the Don, and will the TTC go into competition with Porter Air?