What about a 1% transit tax?

One thing we do quite well in Toronto is talking about transit funding and expansion. Building new infrastructure? Well, that's another story. The latest conversation piece comes courtesy of former mayoral candidate and Women's Post publisher Sarah Thomson, who's calling for a 1% increase in sales tax to fund long-term transit development. Alternately called Unlock the Gridlock or the 1% Solution, the accompanying website appears a bit short on specifics as far as future projects go, though the Star has the campaign pushing for a Downtown Relief Line, which seems logical from my perspective.

The bigger issue is whether or not the simplicity of this idea will have any legs. The Fords are already on record against any special taxes to fund transit, but GTA residents show at least some support for the idea. Perhaps a dedicated campaign will actually change a few minds about the idea in general? It'll be a challenge to raise the funds to make this idea visible enough to make difference, but Thomson is well connected, and that should help get the ball rolling at a very minimum.

Have your say.

Photo by Tony Lea in the blogTO Flickr pool