The first mayoral debate between Mayor David Miller and councillor Jane Pitfield presented contrasting visions on improving public transit and tackling the city’s garbage problem.

The two candidates spoke at Innis College Town Hall on Monday, kicking off a series of public discussions about Toronto’s future that the college is hosting in the run-up to municipal elections on Nov. 13.

Pitfield promised a city-wide referendum on the Gardiner expressway. On transit, she said “the TTC needs a complete overhaul.”

On transit issues, Miller highlighted the success of the recent changes to the TTC’s daily, weekly and monthly passes. “When people have a pass they commit to public transit. We know people will be waiting for the bus.”

He defended his decision to grant a Thunder Bay company the contract to build subway cars, while Pitfield criticized the lack of research done into the arrangement. Pitfield asked why Torontonians should care about helping Northern Ontario with jobs, when $100 million might have been saved by outsourcing to China. Miller retorted that giving jobs to Canadians was a priority, as was building stable relations with the provincial government.

Miller also preferred dedicated lane buses, such as in Ottawa, and streetcars like the current Spadina and the future right-of-way streetcar lanes on St. Clair Street. This will cost $65 million, compared to $2.1 billion for the proposed York subway extension.

Pitfield was vague on what exactly she would do on transit. She did state that “although subways are expensive they are the best way.”

On a few occasions the candidates parted from their municipal policy script to make personal swipes at each other. At one point, Pitfield accused Miller of causing the TTC wildcat strike in May.

As Miller began to respond, Pitfield interjected, with her supporters backing her up with applause. Miller simply replied, “Is it my turn to speak now?”

On the issue of garbage, Pitfield supported incineration such as Halton’s “waste-to-energy” facility. She is also keen on introducing garbage bag tags to limit household waste. Miller, meanwhile, touted waste reduction through composting and recycling programs, as well as minor landfilling. (He announced plans to build a new landfill in Ontario near London on Wednesday.)

Afterward, the candidates answered audience questions. Asked about the older age of the crowd, Miller said he wished there had been more students.

“I’d like to see them here. They’re smarter than us,” he said.