Quote:
Originally Posted by Keith P.
If we removed the unnecessary obstacles to flow that are created by poor design, neglect or simple intransigence - I refer to the Fairview Overpass, the uncontrolled left turns and lack of bus pullover on Joe Howe, the lack of adequate capacity on major routes ,the dumping of heavy traffic onto surface streets; the list is endless - then you would be correct. Tell it to the endless line of immobilized traffic I saw at rush hour today on the south end of Oxford St waiting to turn left onto Jubillee. They may still be there. Why they were there is a bit of a mystery - I assume downtown shortcutters.
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Poor route choice? Accident? Isn't there a left-turn arrow at that intersection?
There are certainly many things that can be done to improve traffic flow (i.e. Fairview Overpass), but improving traffic flow isn't sexy these days. It's far more popular to complain about the evil, environment-destroying car drivers than to improve things for them (and as a result - everybody who commutes). Let's make it so difficult and costly to drive that people will be forced into less-pleasant modes of transport.
But the basic problem for traffic
is the peninsula and its ancient (by Canadian standards) street layout. There are some snags that could be ironed out but it can never be completely "fixed" to make traffic flow smoothly, especially under ever-increasing traffic volumes. Don't know how many times I have to say it, but "great" transit (i.e. very convenient, efficient, comfortable, well laid-out, etc.) needs to be combined with some obvious traffic improvements to make the situation better than it is. Lure car drivers into taking transit by making it more attractive rather than berating them for choosing to drive. Alienating drivers by turning them into villains does nothing more than slow down progress by creating opposing sides in the argument.
Now, Keith, I'm sure you must have come back home after driving in Toronto and admitted to yourself that Halifax traffic is not so bad after all...