A City Shut Down

In the November 20th issue of the Toronto Star, columnist Christopher Hume spoke of the recent performance of the TTC transit system.
Just days after confirming a significant fare increase, another detrimental event struck the Toronto transit system. On Wednesday, November 18th, an error in construction resulted in a hole being drilled directly into the underlying subway tunnel. As a result, the Yonge line was closed between Bloor and Eglinton for six hours. The chaos that ensued was far beyond what many would have imagined. Tens of thousands of commuters filled the streets as they waited for a taxi or shuttle bus to take them home. For many, this wait was hours long.
This event acted as a reminder of how essential public transit is to the city of Toronto. As Hume points out, we are so reliant on this service that the functionality of the city can at any minute turn to disaster. Since Toronto is such an expansive city, an efficient transportation system is essential for the navigation across such great distances. However, Hume also points out that due to unreliable TTC service, many have chosen to use their cars instead. This has resulted in traffic and grid lock on all major roads and highways. Therefore, it is clear how the TTC has such a massive impact on the way in which the city functions, and how people navigate across the city. If fare prices and system shut downs continue to plague the city, then we may see more Torontonians choosing a different method of transportation, which would essentially alter the spatial landscape of Toronto.