Reconstruction of Public Transportation System in Toronto

A vital public transport overhaul has been expected by the public in the Ontario region since 2007. GTA will mainly benefit from the ‘MoveOntario 2020’ project. This 12-year plan comprises of 52 transit proposals including the expansion of various subways, train, and bus lines and selected highways. From the real estate angle this remodeling will ultimately have some real positive effect on the real estate demand in the affected regions, alongside with the environmental consequences on the life of Torontonians.

Growing real estate values

Understanding the way the real estate prices are estimated is quite a science, but since everyone has to leave the house once in a while; the convenience is among the most important variables when working out property prices. Property values near railway stations will increase according to various studies. A comparison was made in Portland between houses within a 500m area of a light railway station and those found further away. The houses nearer the station sold for 10% more. Overall the positive outcome of new stations on the property prices rise is recorded in a half-mile radius.

Improving air quality: A positive environmental impact.

Unsafe particles of exhaust gases harm our bodies. Long term these gases cause serious disease and possibly untimely death. The respiratory (lungs) and cardiovascular (heart & veins) systems are among the most impaired.

Since the air we breathe is not pure, the pollutants and fine particles enter the body through mouth or nose and part of it stays in our lungs, causing its aggravation or irreversible damage. Blood clotting, heart attacks and untimely death can be caused by air pollution. It can also make asthma, bronchitis and other continuing respiratory diseases worsen. Although the research still continues, there are about 1,700 untimely deaths affiliated to the air pollution in Toronto every year.

The affect on motorist

The shake-up plan claims to be designed to cut greenhouse emissions by replacing about 300 million car trips. Can it work? Is this the best solution to have cleaner air? Every day drivers must not be forgotten with this project although the aims are to focus on the public transport system. The project will increase the capacity of railways, bikers and pedestrians, as mode of transport. A Torontonian motorist will spend approximately 67 hours stuck in traffic jams every year. Although alternative means of transport a congestion study shows that in 20 years cars will still form 70% of all journeys in Toronto. (Source). For instance, I'm pretty sure that most of my colleagues working as Toronto real estate agents will never give up their cars no matter the cost or availability of public transport system.

Exhaust gas emissions are higher when traffic is stopping and starting. Eliminating congestion and increasing traffic flow will improve air conditions. Denmark and Israel have implemented their own plans. Can we find incentives in their ideas? The electromobile vehicles are massively endorsed by massive networks of charging stations throughout the country and vehicle exemptions. Increasing the public transport system should not be the only improvments GTA makes. Attention also needs to be given to those who chose cars as their foremost means of transport.