Toronto, province of Ontario to begin discussions on transit responsibilities alignment

The city of Toronto and the province of Ontario have agreed to terms of how they will proceed with discussions about how to best align transit responsibilities between the two parties.

In a statement, the city notes that both itself and the province share a number of objectives, including the accelerated implementation of priority expansion projects; the integration of transit services across all modes and agencies (Toronto Transit Commission, Metrolinx, other 905 transit agencies); the modernization and enhancement of the existing subway system, while ensuring the system is maintained in a state of good repair; the continuity of safe, reliable service to all residents who depend on it for mobility and a long-term sustainable, predictable, funding model for the existing transit system and future transit needs.

Ideas that will be explored include that the responsibility for building and maintaining new subway lines would fall to the province, while the city would maintain control over day-to-day operations.

The city said both parties have maintained a longstanding partnership with respect to advancing public transit initiatives and both acknowledge that the TTC's subway system is an important component of an integrated transit network serving Toronto, as well as the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said, "Necessary maintenance and investment in the subway system has been put off for too long. We've also been waiting far too long for subway expansions. New subway construction has been stuck in red tape, for years. It's time to take action and speed things up"

He continued, "That's why I'm very happy we've agreed with the city of Toronto on a joint Terms of Reference which has, at its core, shared objectives and principles, to guide a discussion about how the two levels of government can best work together to achieve them. We have committed to a deliberate, fact-based conversation with the city on our upload plan."

An eight-person Steering Committee consisting of four provincial representatives and four city representatives will be formed and meet bi-weekly and more frequently as needed to discuss the aligning of transit responsibilities.

"These Terms of Reference will help guide our next steps and steer the consultation process with the city and the TTC on uploading the subway infrastructure from the city of Toronto, including the building and maintenance of new and existing subway lines. With an upload, our government can cut through red tape to start new projects and finish construction faster. We are improving how transit is built in Ontario to get Ontarians moving. We will build a world-class transit system that everyone in Ontario can be proud of," said Premier Ford.

Toronto City Council directed City Manager Chris Murray to proceed with an agreed-to terms of reference and to report back to City Council in the first quarter of 2019 with a progress report.