Scarborough Councillor Ron Moeser has come out in favour of a street-level LRT instead of a subway along Sheppard Ave. E.

Moeser’s decision, coming the day before council is to vote on the issue, is a blow to Mayor Rob Ford’s effort to line up enough votes for the higher cost subway option, assuming money can be found.

In a letter circulated Tuesday to Ford and other members of council, Moeser (Ward 44, Scarborough East) said he agonized over what type of transit to support.

He said he supports an LRT because it would serve more residents, and has funding in place whereas the subway option has no dedicated funding or construction timetable.

Moeser said he was also swayed by the fact council supports an LRT along Finch Ave. W.

He dismissed concerns that an LRT is the same as a streetcar, an idea he called “completely incorrect.”

And he said an LRT is not the road hog portrayed by subway backers.

“The LRT will still have two lanes of traffic on either side and will not cause traffic congestion,” Moeser said.