Toronto Transit Commission Board
The full agenda, as filed
All 13 items in the clerk’s order. Each carries the city’s own words: the staff recommendation, what the body decided, and its status. Nothing below is written by us.
TTC2.1received
Chief Executive Officer’s Report - February 2025
The Chief Executive Officer's Report is submitted each month to the TTC Board for information. Copies of the report are also forwarded to Members of Toronto City Council, the City Manager and the City Chief Financial Officer. The CEO report and monthly KPIs report are made available to the public on the TTC's website. February CEO Report For February, the CEO's Report covers the theme of improving service for the TTC customers, and hot topics include: • SRT/Line 3 Bus Replacement Update
The Toronto Transit Commission received the Chief Executive Officer's Report - February 2025 for information.
TTC2.2received
The Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit (ACAT) is forwarding the approved minutes of its General monthly meeting of December 16, 2024 to the February 2025 Board Meeting for information. At the December meeting TTC staff presented information about the TTC's Interim Wayfinding Strategy, provided updates about the PRESTO Support Person Card, staff availability at station fare gates, and efforts to address fare evasion. Two possible solutions are being considered for the Support Person Assistance Card: allowing a customer to hand back their card for the support person to use or issuing a separate card for the support person. The TTC CEO also welcomed and recognized incoming and outgoing ACAT members and pool members. The following is a summary of the main topics discussed at the December ACAT Subcommittee meetings: Communications Subcommittee • Temporary accessibility measures to ensure customers have accessible connections to areas around TTC stations that are not yet accessible while work to install elevators continues. Proposed shuttle routes include the new Etobicoke 149 and hours will be extended for 13A Avenue Road and 97C Yonge routes Design Review Subcommittee • Minimum side platform width for Scarborough Subway Extension stations and concerns about whether the narrower width would accommodate full trains exiting and requiring emergency exits and if the width complies with the Ontario Building Code (OBC). TTC staff confirmed that the design complies with the OBC and should be sufficient to accommodate the full train occupant load expected at stations. The minimum platform width does not comply with TTC standards. The Subcommittee suggested considering seat relocation in the narrow platform areas. • Feedback from the Public Forum on Accessible Transit held in September 2024. Design-related items from the feedback will be discussed at future meetings, including the possibility of having accessibility stickers inside vehicles to assist customers with disabilities disembark; reviewing stop request buttons and seat heights on new buses; and reviewing plexiglass dividers as communication with drivers may be difficult at times. Service Planning Subcommittee • The 2025 Annual Service Plan, key focus areas, proposed route adjustments and the One Fare program. Members asked about agencies that do not use PRESTO and requested further information about service details for Thorncliffe Park, Woodbine Racetrack and East York Acres seniors home. • Feedback from the Public Forum on Accessible Transit held in September 2024. The Subcommittee discussed comments about educating customers and Operators about priority seating, Community Bus service, and bus stop relocation during station construction. Wheel-Trans Operations Subcommittee • Stops and landmarks. Stops continue to be updated based on customer and Operator feedback. TTC staff reminded the Subcommittee about reduced pick up and drop off locations at malls during December and January due to traffic during the holiday season.
The Toronto Transit Commission received the Approved Minutes of the Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit (ACAT) General Monthly Meeting of December 16, 2024 for information.
TTC2.3adopted
Supply of Battery-Electric Paratransit Buses and Green Bus Program Update
The Wheel-Trans Green Bus Program's objective is to meet the requirements outlined in the City of Toronto's TransformTO Net Zero Strategy , which defines a pathway to achieve net zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in Toronto by 2040. This objective is further supported by the TTC's 2024-2028 Corporate Plan's Strategic Direction 4, Transform and Modernize for a Changing Environment through the Innovation and Sustainability Strategy, which includes actions to minimize environmental impacts and build resiliency for a climate-changed future such as TTC's Green Fleet Program and its resultant transition to Net Zero. This requires the TTC to adopt modern technology and embed sustainable practices as we renew aging fleet and infrastructure. This report recommends the award of a contract for the supply and delivery of five battery-electric paratransit buses to pilot these vehicles for Wheel-Trans service, at a total value of $5.55 million, inclusive of HST, to commence the TTC's transition from gasoline to electric paratransit vehicles. Delivery of these vehicles is planned to be completed by 2026 in line with the approved Wheel-Trans fleet plan. This will be followed by a two-year evaluation of the pilot vehicles, which will help inform, through lessons learned from the pilot program, the steady-state bulk procurement planned to commence in 2028. With this plan, and subject to pilot results and funding, the TTC aims to have its Wheel-Trans fleet fully electrified by 2040. Staff will report back to the Board with the results of the pilot program.
The Toronto Transit Commission: 1. Authorized the award of a contract for the supply of five battery-electric paratransit buses to Damera Bus Sales Canada Corporation at a total cost of $5,550,252.50 inclusive of all estimated contract costs including spare parts, special tools, contract change allowance, and HST.
Staff recommendation as filed
It is recommended that the TTC Board: 1. Authorize the award of a contract for the supply of five battery-electric paratransit buses to Damera Bus Sales Canada Corporation at a total cost of $5,550,252.50 inclusive of all estimated contract costs including spare parts, special tools, contract change allowance, and HST.
TTC2.4amended
Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements Project - Progressive Design-Build Development Phase
The purpose of this report is to obtain authorization to award the Progressive Design-Build Development Phase Agreement for the Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements (BYCI) project to Kenaidan Murphy Joint Venture (KMJV) in the amount of $154,600,000.00, inclusive of HST, on the basis of highest total weighted score. The scope of this contract includes the supply of all labour, equipment, and materials to: Establish a joint project delivery office and team consisting of TTC and the Progressive Design-Builder to collaboratively develop the design of the Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements project to approximately 70% during the Development Phase of a Progressive Design-Build (PDB) project delivery model; and Negotiate a Project Agreement and target price between the TTC and the Progressive Design-Builder for the Implementation Phase of a PDB project delivery model to complete the design, undertake construction, and closeout of the project (subject to subsequent Board approval at a future date). The work during the Development Phase will be carried out on a cost-reimbursable basis over a period of approximately two years, in accordance with the terms of the Development Phase Agreement. The project delivery model of Progressive Design-Build was previously approved by the Board at its meeting on December 8, 2021, as part of the approval of Stage Gate 3 for the Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements project. Upon completion of the Development Phase including 70% project design and negotiation of the target price, schedule and Project Agreement, Board approval will be required to enter into the Project Agreement and begin the Implementation Phase to complete the design to 100% and undertake construction. Completion of the Development Phase is expected in Q1, 2027. In order to ensure continued external legal assistance in the negotiation and finalization of the PDB - Project Agreement throughout the Development Phase, approval is being requested to amend the contract by $1.695 million with the TTC's external Legal Services provider in support of the BYCI project, bringing the total amendment of this contract to $2.695 million, which exceeds the CEO's delegated authority threshold of $2.5 million for contract amendments. The original contract amount of $1.695 million, previous amendment of $1.0 million, and this second contract amendment of $1.695 million resulted in a revised total of $4.39 million, inclusive of HST, for the Legal Services contract.
The Toronto Transit Commission: 1. Authorized the award of Contract C82PB24097, Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements Progressive Design-Build Development Phase, to Kenaidan Murphy Joint Venture, in the upset amount of $154,600,000.00, inclusive of HST, on the basis of highest total weighted score. 2. Approved the following cashflow adjustments to the TTC's 2025-2034 Capital Budget and Plan for the Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements project by accelerating cashflow funding in 2025 by $38.3 million and in 2026 by $73.1 million, offset by reducing cashflow funding in years 2030 to 2033 inclusively by $111.4 million total, with no debt impact, to align with the estimated project delivery schedule. 3. Subject to recommendation 2 above, authorized the recommended budget adjustments to the TTC's 2025-2034 Capital Budget and Plan to be included in the TTC's Capital Variance Report submission to the City of Toronto for the four months ended April 30, 2025, for City Council consideration and approval. 4. Approved a contract amendment with Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP for the provision of Legal Services for the Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements project, increasing the upset limit by $1,695,000, inclusive of HST, to a revised total of $4,390,000 inclusive of HST. 6. Adopted the recommendation set out in Confidential Attachment 1 and authorized that the information remain confidential as it contains information about a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on by or on behalf of the TTC. 7. Requested the TTC CEO and the Progressive Design Build contractor to identify during the development phase, the costs for individual elements of the design, to allow the TTC to make recommendations to the Board, on which design elements may need to be omitted to keep the project within the current budget without impacting the project benefits. 8. Requested that TTC staff give a presentation at the next TTC Board meeting that provides a detailed financial update for the Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements Project, including projected costs, actual costs, and variances for different elements of the project, including design, legal, and land acquisitions year-to-date.
Staff recommendation as filed
It is recommended that the TTC Board: 1. Authorize the award of Contract C82PB24097, Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements Progressive Design-Build Development Phase, to Kenaidan Murphy Joint Venture, in the upset amount of $154,600,000.00, inclusive of HST, on the basis of highest total weighted score. 2. Approve the following cashflow adjustments to the TTC's 2025-2034 Capital Budget and Plan for the Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements project by accelerating cashflow funding in 2025 by $38.3 million and in 2026 by $73.1 million, offset by reducing cashflow funding in years 2030 to 2033 inclusively by $111.4 million total, with no debt impact, to align with the estimated project delivery schedule. 3. Subject to recommendation 2 above, authorize the recommended budget adjustments to the TTC's 2025-2034 Capital Budget and Plan to be included in the TTC's Capital Variance Report submission to the City of Toronto for the four months ended April 30, 2025, for City Council consideration and approval. 4. Approve a contract amendment with Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP for the provision of Legal Services for the Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements project, increasing the upset limit by $1,695,000, inclusive of HST, to a revised total of $4,390,000 inclusive of HST. 5. Adopt the recommendation set out in Confidential Attachment 1 and authorize that the information remain confidential as it contains information about a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on by or on behalf of the TTC.
TTC2.5amended
Canada Square Redevelopment - Amendment to Leases
The purpose of this report is to update the TTC Board on the redevelopment plans by Oxford Properties Group and CT REIT (the Tenants) for the TTC's lands located at the southwest corner of Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue (Canada Square), and to obtain the TTC Board's approval to amend the existing lease agreements to permit part of the redevelopment to be implemented. Following the Board's approval authorization, the next step will be for staff to negotiate, finalize, and sign the subject amending agreements.
The Toronto Transit Commission: 1. Authorized staff to negotiate and enter into, or request the City enter into, the six following amending agreements to the existing leases for Canada Square subject to the terms outlined in this report, in a form acceptable to the TTC's General Counsel: a. Phase I Lease Amendment b. Phase II Lease Amendment c. Phase III Lease Amendment d. Boiler Room Lease Amendment e. Steam Room Lease Amendment f. Commencement Agreement Amendment. 2. In accordance with Chapter 279 of the City of Toronto's Municipal Code, forwarded this report for approval from the City of Toronto. 3. Requested the TTC CEO to consult with the local Councillor and Executive Director, Development Review, City of Toronto, on the redevelopment plan for the podium space connecting 2180 and 2200 Yonge.
Staff recommendation as filed
It is recommended that the TTC Board: 1. Authorize staff to negotiate and enter into, or request the City enter into, the six following amending agreements to the existing leases for Canada Square subject to the terms outlined in this report, in a form acceptable to the TTC's General Counsel: a. Phase I Lease Amendment b. Phase II Lease Amendment c. Phase III Lease Amendment d. Boiler Room Lease Amendment e. Steam Room Lease Amendment f. Commencement Agreement Amendment. 2. In accordance with Chapter 279 of the City of Toronto's Municipal Code, to forward this report for approval from the City of Toronto.
TTC2.6amended
Cost-Benefit Analysis of a Pilot for Free Wi-Fi Service on Bus and Streetcar Platforms
As requested by the Board at its meeting on September 24, 2024, Staff conducted a cost-benefit analysis of a pilot project to provide free public Wi-Fi service on bus and streetcar platforms. To inform this analysis, a Request for Information (RFI) was issued to the market in November 2024 to refine cost estimates and gauge market interest. The benefits of offering public Wi-Fi on bus and streetcar platforms include providing another means to access real-time service-related information while travelling on the TTC, as well as more generally providing internet access to customers while they are waiting at bus and streetcar platforms. However, recent experience has clearly shown that TTC customers prefer to use faster and more readily available (i.e. no log in required) cellular services, which have also become more affordable over the past several years. This has been illustrated by the rapidly declining use of TTC free public Wi-Fi in subway stations once 5G service became available prior to the end of that service in December 2024, and the limited uptake of Wi-Fi when offered on select surface bus routes over the past several years. As a result, the combination of City of Toronto programs, such as ConnectTO where free public Wi-Fi is available in libraries, community centres, and other civic locations, and more affordable wireless plans is increasingly providing Torontonians with free or lower cost internet access. All bus and streetcar platforms or waiting areas at subway stations are equipped with real-time information screens displaying next vehicle arrivals and service disruptions. While customers can use internet services, where available, for personal safety such as SafeTTC app reporting, bus and streetcar platforms are also equipped with various features that promote customer safety without requiring Wi-Fi connectivity. Enhanced lighting and camera coverage provide visibility and continuous monitoring. Passenger Assistance Intercoms are located in Designated Waiting Areas (DWA) on subway station platforms, at all elevator lobbies and all fare lines. These intercoms connect to TTC staff, who can arrange emergency response. Public telephones are available on all subway station platforms, station entrances, and bus and streetcar transfer areas. Additionally, customers can report safety concerns via free text messaging, which does not rely on Wi-Fi and all customers can reach 911 using any phone, regardless of data availability or cell plan. A pilot project would cost approximately $59,000 per station in capital investment to deploy Wi-Fi infrastructure and approximately $70,500 per station in annual operating costs, which includes the cost to provide data, content filtering, and staff support. There is no funding available in the TTC's 2025 Operating and 2025-2034 Capital Budget and Plan to implement this initiative. The TTC does not recommend moving forward with a stand-alone Wi-Fi pilot as, while this is technically feasible, historical Wi-Fi usage does not demonstrate a significant portion of TTC transit users are benefitting from this service, and a pilot could cause customer confusion if Wi-Fi is available at certain stations and not others. To avoid customer confusion and ensure equitable access, if Wi-Fi were to be implemented, the recommendation would be to implement Wi-Fi system-wide at all off-street bus and streetcar platforms. If a decision were made to implement Wi-Fi at these locations, it is estimated to require approximately $2.8 million in initial capital investment across 47 bus and streetcar platforms and $3.3 million in annual operating costs. This funding would have to be re-allocated from other priority initiatives. Given the required capital and ongoing operating costs to implement this initiative, limited benefits, and available alternatives for customers, it is recommended that the TTC not pursue implementation of Wi-Fi services on bus and streetcar platforms. Any new funding streams should instead be invested in priority initiatives already identified in the TTC's strategic plans, including the TTC Corporate Plan 2024-2028 and the 2024-2028 5-Year Service and Customer Experience Action Plan (5YSP). That said, it is recommended that TTC forward the information and analysis in this report to the City of Toronto for consideration as part of their ConnectTO program, should dedicated City funding for Wi-Fi implementation become available, noting that there is no existing or planned collaboration with ConnectTO as part of their approved workplan or funding.
The Toronto Transit Commission: 1. Directed the Chief Information Officer, Toronto Transit Commission to partner with the Chief Technology Officer, City of Toronto to review opportunities, innovative solutions including partnership opportunities, and costs to deliver public Wi-Fi across TTC transit operations, including tunnels, in line with City Council directions to close the digital divide. 2. Directed the Chief Information Officer, Toronto Transit Commission in collaboration with the Chief Strategy and Customer Experience Officer to conduct a customer survey about the need for public Wi-Fi. 3. Directed the Chief Information Officer, Toronto Transit Commission to report back on the status of this work to the Toronto Transit Commission Board of Directors in July 2025 with a final report in October 2025.
Staff recommendation as filed
It is recommended that the TTC Board: 1. Forward this report to the City of Toronto for future consideration as part of their ConnectTO program. 2. Direct staff to prioritize alternative strategies for improving customer information, safety, and accessibility, as detailed in the TTC Corporate Plan and 5-Year Service and Customer Experience Action Plan.
TTC2.7amended
Transit Priority Measures on Queens Quay East - Interim Bus Priority Lanes
TTC staff, with support from City Transportation Services, is requesting approval from City Council to install transit priority measures (TPMs) on Queens Quay East to improve travel times and reliability for transit customers. The proposed transit priority measures will benefit approximately 4,000 riders daily. No general traffic lanes will be removed and existing road capacity will be maintained by optimizing the existing curb-to-curb space on the Queens Quay East right-of-way. Local access and right-turns will be maintained. On December 17, 2024, City Council directed Transportation Service to work with the TTC to report back on interim bus priority lane implementation along Queens Quay East between Bay Street and Parliament Street. This segment of Queens Quay East has a wide and consistent pavement width currently painted for four lanes of traffic, with generous urban shoulder. Converting the urban shoulder with red-paint into interim bus priority lanes will provide immediate improvements to three bus routes operating on Queens Quay East and may be further utilized by other bus routes for future diversion routing during construction. Currently, the City, TTC and Waterfront Toronto are working to advance the Waterfront East Light Rail Transit (WELRT) project design which will eventually replace these interim bus priority lanes. The interim bus priority lanes are intended to provide immediate improvements to customers prior to the full implementation of WELRT and will be used as a baseline assumption when City Staff undertake the Phasing and Delivery Plan for the WELRT as approved by City Council in February 2025. In addition to the above bus lanes on Queens Quay East, the removal of on-street parking on Front Street West, between Bay Street and Yonge Street, is proposed to allow for buses to have a dedicated layover area. This will facilitate better service reliability for customers and allow buses laying over to keep clear from general traffic. This will also simplify the customer experience for TTC bus transfers at Union Station.
The Toronto Transit Commission: 1. Endorsed the installation of transit priority measures on Queens Quay East and Front Street West. 2. Forwarded this report to City Council, through the Executive Committee, for approval of bus priority lanes and bylaw amendments to support transit priority. 3. Directed staff to expedite a review of the 114 Queens Quay East bus route that incorporates public feedback and includes focus on accessibility, frequency and continuous routing with implementation of any changes timed with the opening of the dedicated bus lanes on Queens Quay East.
Staff recommendation as filed
It is recommended that the TTC Board: 1. Endorse the installation of transit priority measures on Queens Quay East and Front Street West. 2. Forward this report to City Council, through the Executive Committee, for approval of bus priority lanes and bylaw amendments to support transit priority.
TTC2.8received
Executive Committee Item 20.10 - Advancing the Waterfront East Light Rail Transit
City Council on February 5, 2025, adopted Item EX20.10 as amended, and has forwarded the Item to the Toronto Transit Commission Board for information.
The Toronto Transit Commission received Executive Committee Item 20.10 - Advancing the Waterfront East Light Rail Transit for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
That the TTC Board: 1. Receive this item for information.
TTC2.9received
Executive Committee Item 20.09 - Advancing Eglinton East Light Rail Transit
City Council on February 5, 2025, adopted Item EX20.9 as amended, and has forwarded the Item to the Toronto Transit Commission Board for information.
The Toronto Transit Commission received Executive Committee Item 20.09 - Advancing Eglinton East Light Rail Transit for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
That the TTC Board: 1. Receive this item for information.
TTC2.10adopted
Executive Committee Item 19.6 Assessment of Scarborough Rapid Transit Adaptive Reuse and Next Steps
City Council on December 17 and 18, 2024, adopted Item EX19.6 as amended and, in so doing, has requested the Board of Directors of the Toronto Transit Commission to direct the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Transit Commission to provide an interim report to the Board in the first quarter of 2025 on relevant information to inform the City's public consultation on the land requirements and a final report to the Board in fourth quarter of 2025 on the completed analysis of Scarborough Rapid Transit Line 3 infrastructure and land requirements, and the assets no longer required for transit operation purposes.
The Toronto Transit Commission: 1. Directed the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Transit Commission to provide an interim report to the Board in the first quarter of 2025 on relevant information to inform the City's public consultation on the land requirements and a final report to the Board in fourth quarter of 2025 on the completed analysis of Scarborough Rapid Transit Line 3 infrastructure and land requirements, and the assets no longer required for transit operation purposes.
Staff recommendation as filed
That the TTC Board: 1. Direct the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Transit Commission to provide an interim report to the Board in the first quarter of 2025 on relevant information to inform the City's public consultation on the land requirements and a final report to the Board in fourth quarter of 2025 on the completed analysis of Scarborough Rapid Transit Line 3 infrastructure and land requirements, and the assets no longer required for transit operation purposes.
TTC2.11adopted
Update on Chief Executive Officer Mandate
The TTC Board will receive an in-camera update with respect to the mandate of the Chief Executive Officer.
The Toronto Transit Commission: 1. Directed that the information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 remain confidential in its entirety as it relates to personal matters about an identifiable individual, including a city or local board employee.
Staff recommendation as filed
It is recommended that the TTC Board: 1. Direct that the information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 remain confidential in its entirety as it relates to personal matters about an identifiable individual, including a city or local board employee.
TTC2.12amended
Toronto is a winter City. Over this past week, Torontonians endured extreme weather and heavy snowfalls with areas in our city receiving up to 50cm of accumulated snow. When it snows, our sidewalks need to be safe and accessible. The TTC needs to be operational, and our city needs to work. Over the weekend, transit riders experienced a number of major disruptions to TTC service due to the extreme snow conditions. While some disruptions are to be expected, there are many ways that the TTC can improve its preparedness and ensure it responds effectively to weather incidents in collaboration with other City divisions. Commissioners Matlow and Myers have heard from many residents about the lack of plowing along major transit stops and the significant hazard this created for transit users. That's why we are moving a motion requesting the TTC Board to prepare a proactive extreme weather incident preparedness strategy. This motion is urgent given that many residents, especially seniors and people with mobility issues, continue to be impacted by the lack of clearing around surface route stops which significantly impacts the safety of TTC passengers.
The Toronto Transit Commission requested that staff report to the Board in Q2 2025 on a proactive extreme weather plan to: 1. Improve the functioning of the system during extreme weather incidents, including major snowfalls, focusing on the above-grade portions on TTC's Line 1 and 2. 2. Work in collaboration with the General Manager, Transportation Services, and consult with the Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit and Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee, to develop service standards for snow clearing around TTC surface route stops to ensure TTC passengers can embark and disembark from vehicles safely and identify costs and necessary resource required for achieving these service standards. The developed service standards and information regarding the associated cost and resources required should be transmitted to City Council for consideration as part of the 2026 Budget process. 3. In collaboration with the General Manager, Transportation Services and Toronto Police Services, report back on the feasibility of increasing fines for vehicles that block TTC surface route operations and removing them quicker during extreme snow events.
Staff recommendation as filed
The TTC Board requests staff report to the Board in Q2 2025 on a proactive extreme weather plan to: 1. Improve the functioning of the system during extreme weather incidents, including major snowfalls, focusing on the above-grade portions on TTC's Line 1 and 2. 2. Work in collaboration with the General Manager, Transportation Services, and consult with the Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit and Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee, to develop and implement service standards for snow clearing around TTC surface route stops to ensure TTC passengers can exit vehicles safely. 3. In collaboration with the General Manager, Transportation Services and Toronto Police Services, report back on the feasibility of increasing fines for vehicles that block TTC surface route operations during extreme snow events.
TTC2.13adopted
Urgency Statement The impact of gridlock on transit in Toronto rarely figures into the reports and news coverage of the issue. Effectiveness of new investments: The 2025 TTC Operating Budget included new investment to increase the frequency and quality of service across the City of Toronto. During the budget process, the TTC Board was informed of continuing challenges in operating buses and streetcars in mixed traffic and that the average speed of scheduled bus service has decreased from 20 km/h in 2013 to 17.2 km/h in 2024. Without urgency in implementation of broad, city-wide action on congestion, these new investments will not be effective if buses and streetcars continue to travel slowly and unreliably. Provincial Action: In November 2024, the Province of Ontario passed the Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024. The TTC supports cycling as an important part of a sustainable and equitable transportation system. The TTC also recognizes that cycling infrastructure projects on Bloor Street West, Danforth Avenue, and Yonge Street have incorporated various measures for transit priority. This includes sections of dedicated bus lanes on Bloor Street West at Jane Street and on Danforth Avenue approaching Victoria Park Avenue. A section of Yonge Street, between Davisville Avenue and St Clair Avenue was configured to provide improved operations for subway shuttle buses. In addition, cycling infrastructure projects have integrated improvements for accessible transit stops in their design. Should removals of bicycle lanes as a result of the Act proceed, it is essential that the improvements to transit operations are maintained. Therefore, it is crucial for the TTC Board to restate the importance of surface transit priority in advance of changes to how road space is allocated and designed in the new legislative context. Toronto Region Board of Trade: On February 20, 2025, the TRBOT released Breaking Gridlock: Congestion Action Plan for Toronto. Its five recommendations focus on overall congestion relief but do not stress the importance of improving surface transit speed and reliability and the impact of gridlock on this vital service to the businesses of the GTHA. Urgent expansion of transit priority measures, dedicated bus and streetcar lanes and removing on-street parking on major transit corridors can provide immediate-term relief for congestion and movement of all people in Toronto. Summary The TTC is crucial to mobility in the City of Toronto and the GTHA, carrying over 1.4 million trips a day, of which 70% are on the surface network of bus and streetcar routes. Most of this service operates in mixed traffic and is directly susceptible to traffic congestion and delays, resulting in non-competitive travel times and challenges for service reliability, such as bunching and gapping. As congestion continues to increase in the city, TTC is becoming less attractive for travel and more costly to operate. To meet the City's overall goals for mobility, growth and sustainability, the prioritization of TTC in transportation network and policy decisions is more important than ever. TTC continues to be North America's third largest and busiest transit system, after Mexico City and New York City. Many of the TTC's bus and streetcar routes are among the continent's busiest; for example, buses on Jane Street carry over 13.2-million people each year, greater than the annual ridership of Saskatoon Transit. TTC is crucial to how people travel to work, with 23% of commutes on transit compared to 71% by car and 6% by walking and cycling combined. (Note staff has been asked to update this number.) Yet the dedication of road space to transit remains disproportionate and transportation decisions often prioritize the needs of single-occupant vehicles. And even less efficient, road space is dedicated to parked single-occupant vehicles. TTC's bus and streetcar services are also critical to equity, with over 510,000 boardings per day in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIAs). 133 bus and streetcar routes serve NIAs. IN other words NIAs are over-represented on surface transit and therefore are proportionately more penalized by the impacts of gridlock. Wheel-Trans customers also face undue hardship because of gridlock. Many rely on accessible taxis or WT buses which operate in mixed traffic. Those customers who are making linked trips risk being designated as a no-show if their linked journey is delayed due to congestion. While general City-wide congestion is increasing and is the primary contributor to slowing transit service, other factors that also play a role include: Construction impacts from infrastructure renewal, new development and rapid transit expansion. These impacts are expected to intensify in the near and medium term. Impact of ride hailing/private transportation companies (PTCs) which accounts for 14.2% of vehicle activity in downtown Toronto and 5% city wide. 33% of this activity is from vehicles travelling without a passenger. Reallocation of road space for other uses, such as bike lanes, curb lane reallocation for on-street parking and patios and expanded public realm. Safety-related changes to streets such as signalling ("no right on a red") more traffic lights, reduced speed limits, protruding curbs, delayed green lights etc. I n 2024, daily average ride hailing trips reached an all-time high of 214,000, almost equivalent to daily ridership on TTC's streetcar network. If the surface transit were faster and more reliable, how many of these ride hailers would opt for transit? The discussion around a congestion crisis in Toronto has intensified in the last 15 years, with various plans for congestion management and reduction. While initiatives to manage and reduce congestion continue to be explored and implemented, congestion is not improving. On-time performance for the TTC continues to not meet targets, with bus on-time performance in the low- to mid- 80% range through 2024 and streetcar under 70% through much of the year. Because of congestion, TTC is increasingly less competitive as a transportation choice. While subway service continues to provide fast and reliable service compared to other modes, ever slowing bus and streetcar service makes it less and less attractive compared to driving, ride hailing, cycling and walking. Between 2013 and 2024, average scheduled travel times on the bus network has decreased from 20 km/h to 17.3 km/h, which means service is not only slower, but less cost-efficient for the TTC to operate. Since 2019, congestion has cost the TTC an additional $60-million in annual operating costs, with more in lost capacity resulting from longer wait times in response to congestion. Comparatively, on-street parking revenue at the Toronto Parking Authority was $50.6-million in 2023. CafeTO was estimated to provide $200-million in economic benefits in 2022. A study in late 2024 showed that every $1 invested in transit generates $7.14 in economic benefits. Therefore, congestion-related costs mean transit investment is not realizing over $425-million in economic benefits per year. This raises the question whether we need to better connect revenue generation, economic benefits, costs, and operating impacts when determining the best use of city streets. Despite the known benefits to transit, slow progress has been made to create a network of dedicated transit lanes across the city. As of 2024, Toronto has 33 kilometres of dedicated bus lanes and 10 kilometres of dedicated streetcar lanes. The city lags behind major cities across North America, such as Vancouver, San Francisco, Boston and New York, all of which are aggressively expanding their networks: Vancouver grew its all-day bus-only priority network from 27 kilometres in 2019 to 72 kilometres in 2023. 17% of its bus frequent bus network operates with some type of bus priority (dedicated bus lanes, HOV lanes and peak-only bus lanes) San Francisco has 112 kilometres of bus lanes, 25% of which were added during the pandemic Boston had only 5 kilometres of bus lanes in 2015 and expanded to over 40 kilometres by 2021 New York has over 270 kilometres of bus lanes, 55 kilometres of which was added in the past three years Since the five priority dedicated bus lane corridors were identified in 2018 by TTC, only the Eglinton East corridor has been implemented. The early closure of Line 3 resulted in relatively fast implementation of bus priority between Kennedy Station and Scarborough Centre in 2023, showing that urgency can lead to action. While progress is being made towards implementation of dedicated bus lanes on Jane Street, Dufferin Street and Bathurst Street, full build out of the City's busways needs to be accelerated and prioritized, in the same way the City's cycling network was prioritized. Urgent action is needed to improve the speed and reliability of all surface vehicles including and especially buses and streetcars in Toronto. Improving travel times will ensure investment in TTC service is effective while providing service that attracts more riders, discourages car use and helps to manage congestion. Improving transit competitiveness is crucial to attract more riders onto transit. More transit riders mean fewer cars on the road, while continuing degradation of surface transit will only encourage more people to use private vehicles and ride hailing services.
The Toronto Transit Commission: 1. Affirmed the position of the TTC Board that urgent prioritization of surface transit in the City of Toronto is crucial to improve travel times and reliability and to encourage transit use and help manage congestion; and that any changes to Toronto's roadways contemplated by the City consider the impact on transit. 2. Requested that City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, provide a report to the TTC Board on how transit travel times and reliability is prioritized in roadway design, decision-making, and operations and how we rethink the place that public transit occupies in this analysis. 3. Requested that City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report to the TTC Board how transit travel times and reliability are being prioritized in planning decisions and city-wide policy. 4. Requested City Council in conjunction with the Toronto Parking Authority and the TTC evaluate the impact of dedicating scarce arterial road infrastructure to vehicles that are not moving, i.e. street parking. This analysis could include but not be limited to parking policy, parking alternatives, supply and pricing. 5. Requested City Council to accelerate the implementation of RapidTO on priority corridors identified in the TTC's 5-Year Service and Customer Experience Action Plan and provide resources to advance implementation of the Surface Transit Network Plan to provide a network of transit priority corridors to benefit transit riders across the entire city. 6. Forwarded this motion to the Toronto Region Board of Trade, Metrolinx, and the Ministry of Transportation, Ontario.
Staff recommendation as filed
It is recommended that the TTC Board: 1. Affirm the position of the TTC Board that urgent prioritization of surface transit in the City of Toronto is crucial to improve travel times and reliability and to encourage transit use and help manage congestion; and that any changes to Toronto's roadways contemplated by the City consider the impact on transit. 2. Request that City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, provide a report to the TTC Board on how transit travel times and reliability is prioritized in roadway design, decision-making, and operations and how we rethink the place that public transit occupies in this analysis. 3. Request that City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report to the TTC Board how transit travel times and reliability are being prioritized in planning decisions and city-wide policy. 4. Request City Council in conjunction with the Toronto Parking Authority and the TTC evaluate the impact of dedicating scarce arterial road infrastructure to vehicles that are not moving, i.e. street parking. This analysis could include but not be limited to parking policy, parking alternatives, supply and pricing. 5. Request City Council to accelerate the implementation of RapidTO on priority corridors identified in the TTC's 5-Year Service and Customer Experience Action Plan and provide resources to advance implementation of the Surface Transit Network Plan to provide a network of transit priority corridors to benefit transit riders across the entire city. 6. Forward this motion to the Toronto Region Board of Trade, Metrolinx, and the Ministry of Transportation, Ontario.