Buses on Spadina Avenue are definitely not convenient for drivers and transit users. Due to increased traffic congestion and rush hour travel time.
The transition from streetcars to buses is also a headache for Chinatown merchants. Route 510 runs through Chinatown. Buses replaced streetcars on June 23 due to several modernization works. These modernization works include critical track work, modernization of overhead power lines and future platform extension to Spadina Station. This work is expected to continue till December at least.
Tony Lowe, chair of the Chinatown BIA, said he hears some concerns from local businesses over and over again. I know traders are concerned about loading and unloading. They are concerned about traffic congestion. Traffic conditions are three times worse than before.
“Delivery drivers already have to double park outside my business because of a lack of parking spots,” said the owner of Gwartzman’s Art Supplies. Buses make this situation worse.
“When we had streetcars, what we had was regular traffic,” he said. Now we are fighting regular traffic as well as buses.
Tap Fong Trading Company has a similar problem with delivery. “It’s definitely a concern for us when it comes to delivery and driving,” said Lily Tran, manager of the family business. But I think it’s a situation that is out of our control.
Those who are doing delivery work have to bear this suffering. Cody, who runs his own courier service, said it would be impossible if you tried to leave the place during peak hours, even if you tried to take the highway. Today I managed to make only four deliveries. I should make 20 deliveries. If there was no traffic I could make 30 deliveries.
