Prognosis for solutions not looking good
The number of commuters who drive to GO and TTC stations is so high that many parking lots are full before 8 a.m. Those arriving late have a tough choice — risk parking illegally or continue downtown by car.
Readers have sent me a rash of complaints about parking; including traffic delays getting into and leaving stations, automobile theft and enforcement of parking bylaws.
Some complain GO Transit is too zealous in ticketing or towing cars; others say GO is too tolerant. One reader sent photos of cars filling every available piece of asphalt at the Richmond Hill GO train stop. With vehicles squeezing past others, it’s no wonder dents and scratches are another symptom of the widespread parking shortage.
The prognosis is not much better than the last time I wrote on the topic. GO Transit is gradually adding parking spots, but as on its overcrowded trains, demand is outstripping supply. GO reports more than 1,000 spaces were added during the 2006-07 fiscal year, bringing the total to more than 47,500 across the network. Finding a station with spare room is tough, and not just for GO riders.
Senior TTC manager Vince Rodo, who himself regularly encounters full subway lots before finding space further down the line, says the system’s parking facilities reach 97 per cent capacity on workdays. The TTC offers about 14,000 spaces requiring a Metropass to enter or a payment of $2 to $6 per day.
A Metro reader wrote me about traffic lineups leading to the parking lots at the Finch subway station. Rodo reports, over the next year or so, new two-way lanes will be installed at entry gates across the system to allow cars through faster.
As for future capacity, he says the TTC is studying its parking strategy, but acknowledges both his transit agency and GO face similar obstacles: Find scarce land to expand surface lots, or build parking decks.
“Both those options are expensive,” he says.
University of Toronto transport expert Professor Baher Abdulhai suggests one way to increase parking capacity is to promote commercial office development at rail stations and, in exchange, require builders to provide spaces for transit commuters.
As for short-term solutions, most drivers have an idea of alternate ways to get to the train — bus, carpool, etc. However, it may be worth exploring the GO and TTC websites again. Consider checking with the agencies to see which lots have lower demand.
While you’re at it, take the time to look up tips against car theft — some options may be pricey but could reduce some of the stress of parking.
