Moscoe credits builder for new transit 'tax' on condos

It's just one more tax on developers, according to Stephen Dupuis, head of the Building Industry and Land Development Association.

But City Councillor Howard Moscoe says it was actually builder Shane Baghai who first mentioned to him the idea of requiring developers to provide a year's worth of Metropasses with each condo they sell.

The rule that comes into effect next week, makes mandatory what at least one builder has already tried with good results at the High Park subway station where residents get TTC passes with their units, said Moscoe.

Neither Moscoe nor Toronto's affable head of transportation planning Rod McPhail could cite any research proving the new regulation will translate into more ridership and revenue for the TTC.

But they're both optimistic based on their own experiences.

McPhail, who has tried the suburbs, saw the error of his ways years ago and moved to a smaller home within an easy subway ride of his Metro Hall office.

Moscoe uses his brother as proof. A former Vaughan resident with a three-car garage, the other Mr. Moscoe apparently gave it up to move to Wellington Street where he takes transit everywhere, boasts the councillor for Eglinton-Lawrence.

"People will use public transit if it’s convenient," he told The Toronto Star.

 

Besides, he said, if somebody gives you an amenity worth $1,200 a year, you're going to use it.