In the 1960s, I used to love taking an hour's drive south to Toronto to check out books, radio gear, photo gear, etc and have a lunch/supper of steak topped off with strawberry shortcake. In October, 2022 I drove/taxied downtown a few times for medical appointments. What an absolute mess. Construction, road closures, bicycle lanes, all time street parking, lane barriers, congestion, grid lock, etc. A 15 minute trip from the west end (Etobicoke) now takes about 1-1/2 to 2 hours or more.
Some brilliant designer removed the totally well thought out curved from the Gardiner eastbound to the Queen's Quay and around to York Street. In its place is a honking big tower to add traffic, a few traffic lights, a SINGLE left hand turn lane across three lanes trying to cut across to the right to proceed along Lakeshore to Bay or Yonge. Takes 10 to 20 minutes to go from Gardiner East to York North (used to take 3 or 4 minutes).
As the city accelerates the condos on every available lot, the lanes are reduced so cyclists, parkers can co-exist with drivers, and the speed limit is systematically REDUCED! Let me see, more traffic from new condos, fewer lanes for the traffic, and reduced speeds. Oh yes, and new LED/Projector headlights of all designs systematically blinding on coming drivers.
So take a cab (same issues, or ride a bike - elderly??? handicapped ??? - or use public transit with lots of stairs - elderly??? handicapped??? City driving is no fn anymore especially as night falls or rush hour closes in.
NB The title is from England's Melanie who lamented, "Look What They've Done to my Song, Ma". Fitting.
