Where do University-Rosedale councillor candidates stand on transit?

We asked candidates 18 questions on autonomy & funding, affordability, service & reliability, accessibility, and safety. See their responses on the tabs below.

Choose a different wardPledge to vote for Transit

Will candidates fight to keep the TTC under Toronto's control and work to secure more transit funding?


Local decisions should remain at the local level.

In recent years, the provincial government has increasingly intervened in decisions that are usually made at the municipal level. This includes legislation requiring the removal of bike lanes on major Toronto streets, and eliminating municipalities' ability to use speed cameras. Now, Bill 98 gives the province greater power to intervene in how local transit systems operate, including decisions around fares and service.

TTCriders firmly believes that the TTC must remain a publicly owned and municipally governed transit system that is accountable to the riders who use it. We oppose the privatization of TTC services and do not believe that Metrolinx or the Ontario government should have a say in how our local transit system operates.

Over the next four years, Toronto City Council must be prepared to stand up to make sure local decision-making remains local. Here's what we asked candidates:

1. Ontario's Bill 98 gives the Province the authority to make regulations affecting how the TTC is governed. Do you commit to fighting to keep transit decision-making at the local level so that the City of Toronto and the TTC Board retain final authority over fare policy, service planning, and transit operations?

Keenan Courtis

Yes

Terri Hawkes

No response

Mike Layton

 

Yes 

Karina Lemke

No response

Alice Li

Yes

Huy Lieu

No response

Gian Pileri

Yes

Paul Viret

Yes

Diana Yoon

 

Yes 

2. Will you advocate for sustainable TTC operating funding from the provincial and federal governments to prevent service cuts and reliance on fare increases to run the system?

Keenan Courtis

Yes

Terri Hawkes

No response

Mike Layton

 

Yes 

Karina Lemke

No response

Alice Li

Yes

Huy Lieu

No response

Gian Pileri

Yes

Paul Viret

Yes

Diana Yoon

 

Yes 

3. Will you advocate for increased federal and provincial capital funding for the TTC to expand the rapid transit network, address the growing state of good repair backlog, install platform edge doors, and eliminate slow zones on the subway system?

Keenan Courtis

Yes

Terri Hawkes

No response

Mike Layton

 

Yes 

Karina Lemke

No response

Alice Li

Yes

Huy Lieu

No response

Gian Pileri

Yes

Paul Viret

Yes

Diana Yoon

 

Yes 

Some candidates offered extra comments about their position on TTC autonomy and funding:

"Toronto generates 50% of Ontario's GDP, and the TTC is a primary component of producing and enabling Toronto's economy. If there is a budget shortfall, it is because the province is contributing much less than it is taking from the city. Council needs clear messaging that the TTC is needed for a strong Toronto, and a strong Toronto is needed for a prosperous province and country."

"The TTC should remain publicly owned and accountable to Toronto residents, with the City and TTC Board retaining final authority over fares, service planning and operations. Cooperation with the province and neighbouring transit systems is important, but it should respect local decision-making. I would advocate for stable, multi-year operating and capital funding from the provincial and federal governments, alongside the City's own contribution. Riders need dependable service and affordable fares. My priority would be preventive maintenance and timely repairs, alongside investment in accessibility, platform edge doors and network expansion. Funding commitments should come with clear timelines, transparent costs and regular public reporting, so residents can see what is improving and hold decision-makers accountable."

Take action

Stop GO Train Cuts
Workshops and Trainings
Pledge to Vote for Transit
Municipal Election Dashboard
Transit-only lanes now: Get buses and streetcars moving!
Give Transit the Green Light
Platform Doors for a safer, more reliable TTC!
Know Your Transit Rights
Protect Door-to-Door Wheel-Trans Service!

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