GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR TORONTO’S TRANSIT SYSTEM

HOW MUCH DOES TORONTO GET OUT OF THE $1.49 BILLION FOR ONTARIO TRANSIT?

On August 23rd, at a bus garage in Barrie, Ontario, Justin Trudeau and Kathleen Wynne made the announcement to contribute $1.49 billion to Ontario’s transit systems. Out of this $1.49 billion, approximately $500 million in government funding has been allocated to Toronto’s transit system.  The additional funds come as a relief to a city that has dealt with breakdowns, outdated systems, and a lack of mechanical support  causing numerous downtimes, and discomfort for transit riders. Broken air conditioners on the Bloor-Danforth line have resulted in recorded temperatures of 32.5C on its trains, which, when recorded by the Toronto Star was 1.5 degrees warmer than outside temperatures. In addition to broken, outdated transit systems, most of the TTC was built before the Ontarians With Disabilities Act, resulting in only 34 transit stops out of 69 being accessible for those with physical limitations; the Danforth-Bloor line’s only accessible stop is at Spadina. There is much to be done, and Toronto will receive $500 million (up to a potential $840 million) to rectify issues affecting the TTC. The additional funds will be warmly welcomed by the province, of which Wynne states  is, “already putting every available dollar towards infrastructure” that they can.

WHERE IS THE MONEY BEING SPENT?

Toronto’s list of projects will make TTC more accessible and pleasurable for its riders, and extend its reach. Trudeau said that “For larger cities like Toronto it [the funding] means upgraded vehicles, more timely subway track repairs and vehicles and stations that are more accessible,”.  Outdated stations will have new elevators installed, malfunctioning escalators repaired, and toxic asbestos leftover from their original constructions removed. In addition, transit stations will be revamped to reduce wait times and improve the experience of the rider (aesthetics, accessibility, etc).  Vehicles will receive upgrades and repairs to bring them to modern, functioning condition to decrease down-times and make riding more comfortable(such as repairing the broken air conditioners on the Danforth-Bloor line). As well, 200 accessible Wheel-Trans buses are to be purchased, making it easier for those with special needs to make use of the transit system. The city plans to expand the system; the Eglinton West and Eglinton East Lines will be provided $3.5 million for planning, and the expected Finch West line $25 million for early stage-work.  The proposed Waterfront LRT will receive $1.8 million for initial planning.

Although most of the government funding that Toronto is receiving will go directly towards improving the transit systems themselves, $42 million will be dedicated to improving cycling conditions for commuters. The $42 million is budgeted for bike parking at forty TTC stations, the installation of bike-share locations at 50 stations, and the creation of new bike paths around the city. The decision to allocate funds towards bike-related projects comes after the federal government agreed to include cycling in its definition of “transit”.

Mayor John Tory expressed praise for Prime minister Trudeau and Premier Kathleen Wynne stating that the decision to provide funding for the TTC was evident of municipal, provincial, and federal governments working together in contrast to years past:

“We’re ending decades of inaction and debate and finger-pointing back and forth. … We’re going to make sure every dollar is well spent.”

For the sake of everyone who has rode on the TTC this summer, I hope he’s right.

*Click here for a detailed list of where the funding for Toronto’s transit system is being directed.