Designation of a Taxi Stand on Lake Shore Boulevard West Adjacent to the Toronto Transit Commission Long Branch Loop (Ward 6 - Etobicoke-Lakeshore)
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CITY CLERK Clause embodied in Report No. 3 of the West Community Council, as adopted by the Council of the City of Toronto at its regular meeting held on April 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and its special meeting held on April 30, May 1 and 2, 2001. 8 Designation of a Taxi Stand on Lake Shore Boulevard West Adjacent to the Toronto Transit Commission Long Branch Loop (Ward 6 - Etobicoke-Lakeshore) (City Council at its regular meeting held on April 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and its special meeting held on April 30, May 1 and 2, 2001, adopted this Clause, without amendment.) The West Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (March 9, 2001) from the Director, Transportation Services, District 2: Purpose: To designate a "Taxi Stand" on the north side of Lake Shore Boulevard West, in the area of the Toronto Transit Commission Long Branch bus/streetcar loop. Funding Sources: The funds associated with the introduction of the appropriate regulatory signage are contained in the Transportation Services Division Operating Budget. Recommendations: It is recommended that: (1) a “Taxi Stand” be designated on the north side of Lake Shore Boulevard West, north of the sidewalk, adjacent to the TTC Long Branch loop; and (2) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto, including the introduction in Council of any bills that may be required. Background: Transportation Services Division-District 2, received correspondence from the TTC forwarding the concerns of Metro Toronto Condominium Corporation No. 736 regarding various operational deficiencies at the TTC Long Branch loop located on Lake Shore Boulevard West. The majority of the concerns are generally about issues within the TTC jurisdiction and are being addressed by the TTC staff. However, the specific concerns, which will be addressed by the Transportation Toronto City Council 2 West Community Council April 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, and May 1 and 2, 2001 Report No. 3, Clause No. 8 Services Division staff are that of insufficient signing indicating a taxi waiting area and taxis blocking the sidewalk. Comments: The TTC Long Branch loop is located on Lake Shore Boulevard West, approximately 52 metres west of Browns Line, and is the west terminus of the TTC Long Branch streetcar route, which is used as a transfer point from TTC streetcars, buses and Mississauga Transit buses. The Long Branch GO station is located immediately north of the TTC loop. The subject area of concern consists of three raised islands, which serve to channelize turns in and out of the TTC loop. This area is located within the Lake Shore Boulevard West right-of-way, in the area of the TTC Long Branch bus loop. The middle island consists of a paved boulevard, north of the sidewalk, and is used by taxis as a waiting area. This area is designed to accommodate two vehicles parked in parallel. Staff observations reveal that when more than two taxis are waiting, they park side by side on the island and block the sidewalk. When this occurs, pedestrians are forced to walk on the paved portion of the boulevard island. In view of this occurrence, a review of the Toronto Police Service collision records for the five-year period, ending December 31, 1999, was conducted, revealing that there have been no reportable collisions involving pedestrians or taxis in the area of the TTC Long Branch loop. Consultations with the Toronto Parking Enforcement Unit staff indicate that it is difficult to enforce the general sidewalk parking by-law, which prohibits vehicles from parking over the sidewalk, because upon arrival of a parking enforcement officer, the offending taxis leave. In order to formalize the existing taxi waiting area, the centre island should be designated by by-law as a “Taxi Stand” and the appropriate regulatory signs installed. In view of the taxis parking on the sidewalk, the regulatory signage will be installed in a manner to discourage taxis from parking on the sidewalk. The signing would also serve to direct pedestrians exiting from the TTC loop to the taxi waiting area. Conclusions: The introduction of a “Taxi Stand” within the Lake Shore Boulevard West right-of-way, adjacent to the TTC Long Branch loop will formalize the existing taxi waiting area. The corresponding regulatory signs will be installed in a manner to discourage taxis from parking on the sidewalk. Contact: Andre Filippetti, Supervisor, Traffic Engineering-District 2 Tel: (416) 394-8408; Fax: (416) 394-8942 E-mail:[email protected] Toronto City Council 3 West Community Council April 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, and May 1 and 2, 2001 Report No. 3, Clause No. 8 (A copy of Attachment No. 1, referred to in the foregoing report, was forwarded to all Members of the West Community Council with the agenda for its meeting on April 4, 2001, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk, Etobicoke Civic Centre.).