Fantasy map fuses the TTC and GO Transit

TTC fantasy maps tend to be, as their designation suggests, wildly unrealistic visions of transit expansion in Toronto. Typically showing sprawling grids of new subway and LRT infrastructure, one's first reaction in seeing them is less hope than it is mild despair at just how far we have to go when it comes to building a comprehensive transit network across the GTA. That's not necessarily the case with this recent effort from Matthew Canaran of Hogtown Commons. Designed using Jonathan English's CityRail concept, the map envisions an electrified GO Transit network that's merged with the TTC to achieve much wider coverage than what each system currently offers.

Canaran is quick to point out that this is an idealized vision for the entire Golden Horseshoe, not just Toronto -- an important distinction given the pressure suburban commuting puts on our transportation network. You'll also note that there's no Finch West LRT on the map, but the designer confirms that this was an intentional omission. "In designing this map, I decided that any LRT lines that weren't already under construction would be axed, and costs would be diverted to electrifying GO... it's not going to pay for itself."

It's an intriguing idea. Is it any more realistic than some of the other fantasy maps we've seen? Maybe. But it still underscores what a long way we have to go. Read more on the CityRail proposal here, and check out a full size version of the map here.