The TTC needs tanks

Twice in the past month I have experienced significant streetcar delays (meaning I'm stuck sitting for half an hour on a stuck streetcar) because some idiot driver has parked their car at the side of the road, blocking the streetcar tracks. I realize that with Toronto's lack of efficient snow clearing that it can be challenging for drivers to park in the city, but I also don't care. When it come to public good (i.e. public transportation) vs. personal convenience, I choose public good.

I think those vehicles should be towed ASAP and fined up the wazoo. There is no way that one person should be allowed to delay hundreds of commuters. And overall I support more public transportation - it's kinder to the environment and is the only solution over-all for the elderly and the working poor. If Toronto doesn't have the money to effectively snow clear, then they should put up signs banning on street parking on streetcar routes when there is significant snow accumulation. They do it for movie shoots.

For both delays it took ages for tow trucks to arrive. It seems that if you are one minute over the 'no parking after 4pm' rule on major streets that tow trucks swoop in at the ready. I don't see why it can't be they can't be on alert near streetcar routes. My bf was arguing with me [because I was ranting about banning all SUVs in the city...] that families need those to get their kids around. Me, I don't buy it. Poor families manage with streetcars. Yes, it's not as convenient, but it's high time we broke the ridiculous car culture in North America. Outside of major cities and for travelling between the cities I see the need, but otherwise, our reliance on the car has brought about hideous box store sections, rising obesity rates, and increased air pollution. I support public transportation and initiatives like AutoShare. I hate cycling, but we do need more bike lanes as well, not more highways.