A Preview of the TTC's June 8th Meeting

The Toronto Transit Commission meets on June 8th at 1:00 pm with a packed agenda. Here are some of the big items before the Commission on Wednesday:

A preliminary 2012 Operating Budget showing a shortfall of at least $39 million. This shortfall doesn't include the added costs of collective bargaining after the TTC has been declared an essential service. This new reality could add another $20 or $30 million in expenses to the operating budget.

A preliminary Capital Budget that shows an unfunded gap in the state of good repair of our existing transit system of more than $1.3 Billion over the next 5 years. The Capital budget report states that this shortfall is "a continuation of the long term pattern of insufficient long-term capital funding for the TTC's capital needs." Perhaps it's time Mayor Ford called his good friend Minister Flaherty about the need for a National Transit Strategy to pay for public transit in Toronto and other Canadian cities?

A report to approve PRESTO as the new electronic fare collection method at the TTC. To date less than half of the money needed to implement PRESTO across the TTC has been found. Those in charge of are hoping "creativity" will help find the $160 million needed to proceed with the PRESTO smart cards.

A report on a plan to proceed with track repairs along Queens Quay that could result in significant changes to Waterfront Toronto's Central Waterfront Revitalization plans. Hopefully, the TTC and Waterfront Toronto can solve this problem ASAP!

It is also important to note what's missing from the TTC's agenda. To date the agenda includes no mention of any report from Toronto Transit Infrastructure Limited (TTIL) on the so-called "business case" being developed to find the near $5 Billion needed to pay for Mayor Ford's Sheppard subway. Originally this business case was to be developed for a June deadline in order to apply to the Federal Government's PPP Canada fund. Given the recent musing of TTIL CEO Gordon Chong on the need for road tolls and other revenue tools, many TTCriders are likely eager to hear what TTIL's plans are.

To attend this TTC meeting in person come to Committee Room 2, 2nd Floor, City Hall (100 Queen Street West) for 1:00pm.

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