Motion without Notice - Responding to Bill 98, Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026 - by Chair Jamaal Myers, seconded by Commissioner Alejandra Bravo

These decisions are made by the TTC's Board through the Annual Network Plan, Operating & Capital Budgets, and other plans and strategies, which are informed by community input and considered at public meetings. Bill 98, Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026 proposes substantial power to the Minister of Transportation to introduce directives via regulation that would impact the TTC's authority in these areas. As a partner in the One Fare program and operator of cross-boundary service on Line 1 into York Region, the TTC has worked to contribute to a regional transportation network that serves people from across Ontario. These partnerships have been the result of collaboration across agencies and levels of government, and serve as a reminder of how we can work together to continue advancing stronger public transit in Ontario, together. If Bill 98 is adopted, regulations made under the Fare Alignment and Seamless Transit Act, 2026 (Schedule 4 of Bill 98) should be informed by the needs of local communities and continue that history of collaboration and mutual agreement. As more information is made available on the proposed application of the legislation through discussions with the Province of Ontario, the TTC should be guided by the following key principles outlined in recommendation 1. In addition, the Ministry should ensure that all regulations are open to public feedback.

b. Protect local transit service quality - Preserve service quality and standards relied upon by our customers - proposals must not negatively impact the experience of most customers who travel within the City of Toronto in efforts to improve cross-boundary travel for the 18% who currently make a connecting trip to GO or a 905-transit system. c. No unfunded provincial mandates - Provincial decisions to set fares and/or service be matched with full funding (operating and capital) by the Province of Ontario. d. Value for money - where provincial directives require the use of specific fare payment systems, unified booking systems, or other changes that have a financial impact to the TTC, there must be clear demonstration that the systems offer value for money, respect Toronto taxpayers, and are efficiently and effectively delivered. e. Respect local transit system expertise and planning process - Consultation that respects the expertise and planning processes of local transit systems, customers and its employees, during both the development of the regulatory framework and when decisions are made using the regulations enacted under the Act. f. Good governance - ensure opportunities for local transit systems, communities, and labour partners to have voice in decision making supported by a sustainable provincial funding model for public transit. 2. Request the Ontario Minister of Transportation provide an opportunity for public feedback on any regulatory framework or regulations proposed under Bill 98, Schedule 4, the Fare Alignment and Seamless Transit Act, 2026. 3. Request TTC staff to support public advocacy efforts by transit riders and other stakeholders to advance the principles outlined in Recommendation 1.