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Auto Commuter Charge

“Car commuters should contribute directly to the construction of new subway lines.”

I know that I have said that Canadians pay enough tax. However, when it comes to public transit, I say car commuters have it too easy.

Driving into Toronto is too easy a choice to make. Even I admit that I jump in the car to drive to the office each day without considering if I need to drive each day.

I am proposing an Auto Commute Charge of $121.00/month, the equivalent of a monthly TTC Metropass. Anyone driving to work would be required to pay this charge.

This charge is to be used exclusively for the development of Toronto’s subterranean transit system. It should not just be TTC users and governments that pay for the development of public transit. Car commuters are responsible to contribute to public transit as well.

I believe in the Honour system for the implementation, with heavy penalties for abuses or non- compliance. The camera system, similar to the Highway 407, could be used as an addition. Camera systems have been proven very effective in London and Stockholm. The Monthly and/or annual fees would allow people to commute to work. While charges on car commuting may seem unfair to some, many car owners could use public transit very easily but they currently do not.

This is not a new or innovative idea. London has an 8£ ($12.95 Cdn) Congestion Charge, that is required to be paid Daily or in advance, to enter into central London, and a fine of between £60 and £180 for non-payment. It has been in place since 2007.

Stockholm has had a Congestion Tax since 2007 as well. Their system is based on peak traffic times and multiple electronic/video toll stations. The tax varies between $1.29 and $2.58, depending on time, and free in the evening, weekends and holidays.

New York and San Francisco are also trying to implement Congestion Levies.