TTC debates asking City for $1.4 billion budget increase

The TTC is asking the City for a $1.4 billion increase in its budget this year in order to boost service levels while freezing fares for the third straight year.

The transit agency has proposed a budget of just over $3 billion for the coming year, with $1.54 billion coming from revenue, while $1.48 billion would come from the City – a 6.8 per cent increase.

The TTC is pledging to increase service to pre-pandemic levels, as well as implementing a fare-capping program, which will replace the monthly pass.

TTC Board Chair Jamaal Myers says he is also looking to make the transit agency more accountable when it comes to how it spends money allocated by the City.

Under the current funding model, the City hands the TTC a cheque and tells them to run the service. Myers plans to make a motion at Wednesday’s meeting to change that model, which he says is outdated and not transparent.

“Starting in budget 2027, City funding will be tied to clear goals, targets and service metrics that directly impact the quality of service that customers experience,” explained Myers. “This means the City can track progress, the TTC can show results, and customers can have an overall better experience.

“This new model will also hold the City accountable to make sure that the changes the TTC needs to improve service, such as banning left turns, removing on-street parking, and implementing aggressive signal priority, are actually done.”

Myers adds that the changes will be incredibly important as they prepare to launch the Eglinton Crosstown LRT.

When it comes to Line 5, Myers says they are not going to wait until the line is launched to address issues, such as signal priority, which is what is currently happening with the recently opened Finch West LRT. He says the TTC is currently working with Metrolinx to address these issues before they crop up.