DRL Preferred Downtown, Smart Track
Express Elsewhere
TORONTO June 6th, 2014 - In a
random sampling of public opinion taken by the Forum Poll™ among 944 Toronto
voters, more than half favour the Smart Track Express transit concept proposed
by mayoral candidate John Tory (52%), while just 3-in-10 disapprove of the idea
(29%). One fifth don't have an opinion (20%). Approval of the Smart Track
Express idea, where subway trains would run aboveground on existing rail lines,
is common to Gen X (45 to 54 - 61%), males (55%), higher income groups ($80K to
$100K - 70%) in North York (57%) and Etobicoke/York (62%), among drivers (59%),
college grads (57%), supporters of Karen Stintz (75%), Tory (of course - 80%)
and Soknacki (59%), but not Chow (40%) or Ford supporters (35%).
In comparison, fewer than one
half approve of the existing DRL (tunneled subway - 44%), and almost the same
proportion disapprove (42%). The existing DRL is most popular among the
youngest (54%), the wealthiest (56%), downtowners (63%), the best educated
(52%), Stintz (61%), Soknacki (60%) and Chow supporters (50%), but not Ford
voters (28%).
"John
Tory has caused a stir with his existing rail line concept, which is not new,
but appears fresh in the face of so much subway vs LRT rhetoric. This proposal
has attracted favour, and attention. Perhaps Tory should propose more grand
schemes like this one," said Forum
Research President, Dr. Lorne Bozinoff.
