Ditch the streetcars, be on time and offer more bus and subway service, say some Torontonians east of downtown.

Every week, until the municipal election this fall, the Star is trekking around the city to find out what issues are on peoples’ minds. This week we visited Wards 26, 29 and 30 and asked people to tell us one thing they would change about transit in Toronto if they could.

“I think streetcars are the biggest waste of money,” said Leslieville interior designer Kelly Cray, who would dump the rail-restricted streetcars which he says are dangerous to exit. “I think they basically cause more congestion.”

When construction on Queen St.prevented the streetcars from operating, they were replaced with buses, said Cray, who claimed they are faster. Cray tends to cycle, which he admitted is more dangerous.

Cray’s anti-streetcar sentiment is echoed by photographer Anthony Tuccitto. “They block the road,” said Tuccitto.

Nick Rivera, another cyclist who bikes from Leslieville into downtown, said streetcars block emergency vehicles. “I can outride it with my bike,” said Rivera of the streetcar.

But not everyone in Ward 30 dislikes streetcars. “I love streetcars,” said Michaela Hornung, whose appreciation has nostalgic roots. Hornung said she grew up north of the city and remembers when her grandmother would take her on the TTC.

Streetcars were also described as “slow,” “dirty” and “horrific.” Another respondent suggested introducing plastic bags to transit so that riders can take their garbage with them.

A little further north, outside Pape Station in Ward 29, transit users had a wide range of suggestions to improve the system, such as introducing directional arrows for stairs.

“People go up the down and down the up,” said Cathy Reid who said the disorderly-flowing rush of people makes it hard for anyone with mobility issues who can’t nimbly navigate the crowd.

Other input included having more washrooms, cheaper fares and increased train frequency.

Bob Maguire would like to see more buses. “We need a solution for now, not seven years (from now),” said Maguire, who thinks those running for mayor are thinking too long-term.

One rider in Ward 26 near at a bus stop near Eglinton Ave. and Laird Dr. said she would like to see screens that would display when the next bus is arriving.

Another TTC user at the same stop, Erin Tilford, said she would like to see more buses on Sunday morning on Eglinton Ave. for when she needs to get to work. “Especially if you start at 7, you’re limited,” said Tilford.

But amidst the desire for improvements, a couple people lauded the transit service. “I have had wonderful service from the TTC for the last 30 years,” said Bill Westcott, a retired York University professor. But he said he would like something done about squealing brakes.

Wards 26, 29 and 30: transit priorities

Increased service (frequency/more buses, subways etc): 10

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Timeliness 4

Overcrowding 3

Get rid of streetcars 3

Reduced/Cheaper fares 2

Display screens at stops 1Privatize TTC 1

Safer driving on buses 1

Directional arrows on stairs 1

Better customer service 1

Squeaky brakes 1

More Washrooms 1

Cleanliness 1

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