TTC, 2 other major transit operators ask for feds to release approved funds in upcoming budget

The TTC, along with two major transitoperators, is asking the federal government to deliver already-approved funding in its upcoming budget or risk putting transit projectsand service in jeopardy.

The Toronto Transit Commission,Socit de transport de Montraland Metro Vancouver'sTransLinkreleased their joint federal budget submission Tuesday, calling for help meeting"current priority needs" and planning for future demands.

If the funds aren't delivered in early 2024 and are doled out in 2026 as planned, the operators warn it willput new transit developments "in jeopardy," according to the submission.

"A strong public transit system is fundamental to meeting our affordability and climate action goals," said TTC CEO Rick Leary in the accompanying release.

"With the City of Toronto and Province of Ontario committing hundreds of millions of dollars toward new subway trains for Line 2, we are hoping the Government of Canada will open the PTF[Permanent Transit Fund] early in order for us to start the process of purchasing the new trains."

The TTC said it urgently needs a minimum of 55 new subway trains, which will cost $2.3 billion, to replace the existing fleet on the Bloor-Danforth Line a line that moves over half a million riders each day and is expected to grow, the submission says. It also needs 25 additional trains,a train maintenance and storage facilityforthe Yonge-University Line, which will cost another $4.3 billion altogether, it adds.

Altogether, the group also wants the federal government to permanently doublea permanentmunicipality funding stream, the Canadian Communities Building Fund,and establish a forumfor all levels of government to develop a "sustainable, long-term" funding model for public transit something top of mind for the TTC, which has been contending with lower ridershiplevels since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Latest ask only covers part of expenses, says TTC

New subway trains and facilities are only a sliver of what the TTCsaid it needs.

The agencysaid it requires an additional $1.8 to $2.3 billion each year for the next 15 years from all levels of government to address repairs, modernization, capacity improvementsand transitioning the bus fleet to zero emissions to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets by 2040.

It's also contending with serving a growing populationToronto's population is expected to rise from 3.03 million in 2021 to 3.65 million in 2051.

The call for expedited funding issupported by more than just transit operators.

"If federal funding for new subway trains does not materialize soon, riders will experience more delays on the subway," said Shelagh Pizey-Allen, executive director of advocacy groupTTC Riders, in a separate news release.

"Transit riders deserve better."

The Department of Financesaid it can't speculate on what will and won't be included in the budget. However, in an email to CBC Toronto, the minister's press secretary Katherine Cuplinskassaid its economic plan is about building homes faster, making life more affordable and creating more jobs.

"We look forward to unveiling its next steps soon," she said.