Most Toronto subway stations are more than 40 years old. Many look older thanks to cracked floors, damaged walls and holes in the ceiling. TTC officials assure me the subway is structurally sound, but do admit station appearance has been a low priority — until now.
They say the system is gradually becoming cleaner and if the City of Toronto approves funding, most damaged walls and floors should be fixed within six years.
I toured the work underway at Spadina and St. George stations with TTC superintendent Gary Shortt and agreed the renewed wall materials are a definite improvement. Yet so many flaws remain at these and other stops that it could seem a long six years.
Transit crews will respond quickly to certain issues such as graffiti, but everything else must wait. Riders can be forgiven if they feel some items have been forgotten entirely — like decrepit washrooms or that Don Mills station stairway with a wood step.
In contrast, I’ve used the new 311 service to report potholes and other problems on City of Toronto streets and sidewalks. I was offered tracking numbers and most issues were resolved promptly. Like the TTC, Toronto’s road system is underfunded but at least the city’s communication channels are open.
To the TTC’s credit, it has worked closely with Yonge Street businesses to track overdue repairs at key downtown stations. Alas, few have been fixed. If we are ever going to rejuvenate our aged stations the commission must enlist local residents and firms to help secure funding.
