![Map of existing transit infrastructure in Scarborough [11]. The red line is the Go Train, the orange line is the LRT, the blue line is the subway, and dotted lines indicate proposed infrastructure that has not yet been implemented by the City of Toronto. Note the neighborhood of Malvern is also indicated.](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/secure.notion-static.com/6d3fb744-95cc-48d7-8d68-9b45b8dd373b/Untitled.png)
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Adapted from images [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7] and [8]. Income data from [9] and [10]. Graphics are own work.
Low-income families residing in Malvern have insufficient access to public transit. The subway and LRT do not extend into Northern Scarborough (see the graphic below), so residents must instead rely on an inadequate bus system.
Map of existing transit infrastructure in Scarborough [11]. The red line is the Go Train, the orange line is the LRT, the blue line is the subway, and dotted lines indicate proposed infrastructure that has not yet been implemented by the City of Toronto. Note the neighborhood of Malvern is also indicated.
Locals report that available buses have limited capacity, unsafe stops, are carbon inefficient, and have fare that is too high for many riders. Malvern families are already one of the poorest demographics in the Greater Toronto Area [9] and the current transit inequity increases barriers residents face when travelling to and from food banks, grocery stores, health services, homes, community centres, jobs, and more. Malvern is additionally close on its southern border to Highway 401, which is a significant source of air pollution for the region [12]. Proximity to this major roadway therefore puts children growing up in Malvern at a higher risk of developing respiratory ailments and requiring subsequent health treatment for which public transit would be required [13].
This complex problem involves a large range of stakeholders, which are outlined in the table below.
| Stakeholder Group | Relevance to the Problem |
|---|---|
| Low-income families of Malvern | Directly rely on the bus routes for transit, but have little say in transit planning or management. |
| Scarborough Transit Action | Local organization which focuses on the transit needs of all Scarborough and does not have authority or funding to provide transit alternatives. |
| Local government | Responsible for meeting the needs of Malvern and answers to the City of Toronto. |
| City of Toronto | Responsible for Scarborough and concerned with the city plan outlined in the TransformTO goals (see Appendix B) to improve transit while maintaining an overarching focus on reducing GHG emissions. |
| Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) | Plans, operates, and manages local transit in Malvern and can play a role in addressing the problem, but must balance the needs of Malvern residents with all of Toronto. |
The proposal is to implement a design solution in three phases. In the short term, benches will be provided at all Malvern bus stops to increase the comfort of a transit experience, thereby increasing ridership. Then, as current lighting systems at bus stops are retired, they will be replaced with improved solar lighting to create a well-lit and safer waiting area. Solar lighting does not rely on electricity from the grid and will therefore provide light even during power outages and will also yield savings over time. In the long term, as the current city buses age, they will be replaced with electric buses that have increased frequency of stops and improved capacity. The savings generated over time from the implementation of these solutions will be factored into the bus fare for Malvern families so that prices can be gradually reduced.
The proposed project timeline for improving transit for Malvern families.
There are several assumptions that have been made throughout this solution proposal which would all impact the success of the solution during implementation. Below are displayed a list of hypotheses underpinning the solution and how each may be tested and handled.
| Hypothesis | Impact on Solution | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| The city of Toronto and the TTC would be willing to work with a student-led initiative because it aims to improve a transit need within the TransformTO framework. | Approval would be required to install benches, replace lights, and purchase and operate electric buses. Subsidies for electric buses and partnership with Astral Media would also be granted by the City of Toronto. Determining how best to increase frequency of bus stops would require data from user Presto cards in Malvern. | Working with the local MP to approach the TTC and the City would help to ensure the proposal is well-received. Aligning the solution within the TransformTO framework also ensures that the City of Toronto stands to benefit. |
| The local MP would be willing to work with a student-led initiative because it aims to improve transit and air quality for residents in their jurisdiction. | The backing of the local MP would help to make the proposal more attractive to the TTC than an outside initiative would. The local MP could also provide advice regarding how to mitigate potential vandalism of the solution and where best to focus efforts within Malvern. | Approach with the offer of a working partnership rather than with a solution in which they have no voice. Time approaching the MP according to election dates so that they may present the solution publicly in a manner which is beneficial to them. |
| The solar panels and lights will not be vandalized if placed high enough above the ground and if providing better lighting for the bus stop. | Vandalism of the solar lights would mean that calculated savings used for lowering the bus fare would be reduced. However, the bus stops would still be safe enough with the existing lighting from connection to the grid. | Communicate the purpose of the solar lights to the public at community events and engage respectfully with people so that they understand the purpose of the improvements and are receptive to them. |