The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is pushing for a substantial $1.4 billion budget increase to enhance service levels and maintain fare freezes for the third consecutive year.
With a proposed budget exceeding $3 billion for the upcoming year, the TTC aims to secure $1.54 billion from revenue sources and $1.48 billion from the City – marking a 6.8% uptick.
In an effort to restore service to pre-pandemic standards, the TTC is introducing a fare-capping initiative, set to replace the traditional monthly pass.
Jamaal Myers, Chair of the TTC Board, is advocating for increased transparency in the agency’s financial management with City funds. Myers plans to propose a motion at the upcoming meeting to revamp the funding model, emphasizing the need for clear objectives, targets, and service metrics to elevate customer experiences.
By linking City funding to specific goals and service metrics, Myers envisions a more accountable system that ensures tangible improvements in service quality, including operational enhancements like banning left turns, eliminating on-street parking, and implementing efficient signal prioritization.
These changes are particularly crucial as the TTC gears up for the launch of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project.
Regarding Line 5, Myers asserts proactive measures to address potential challenges, such as signal prioritization, ahead of the launch. Collaborating with Metrolinx, the TTC is actively resolving issues to preempt any operational setbacks like those experienced with the recently opened Finch West LRT.
Keyphrase: TTC budget increase