A candidate for Toronto mayor wants to expand the subway system – but she’d like drivers to supply the cash.

Sarah Thomson’s platform includes a plan to introduce $5 tolls on the Gardiner and Don Valley Parkway during rush hour to subsidize a $14 billion subway expansion.

"If we put a toll on the Gardiner and DVP during rush hour, we're hoping people will get into the habit of using the transit system," Thompson said.

"It's not that big a toll and I think it’s an investment."

The plan is to add 58 kilometres of subway track across the city that would include a west line to Pearson International Airport, an east line into Scarborough and an extension north to Steeles.

Thomson would keep the tolls in place for 10 years and estimates they would generate approximately $500 million a year.

Her fellow running mate George Smitherman has also admitted he’s open to road pricing, while Rocco Rossi, Joe Pantalone and Giorgio Mammoliti have come out against the idea.

"I think it's unfortunate our first instinct is to tax people more," Rossi said.