How Do We Pay For New Public Transit Infrastructure?

TTCriders will be attending public consultation meetings being hosted by the City of Toronto and the Provincial agency, Metrolinx.  if you want to join us email us at [email protected]  We are also developing a position statement on the issue of how we fund public transit.

Read on more information.

Metrolinx, a regional transit agency of the Province, is conducting public consultation on their transportation plan, The Big Move. They want to know how we should pay for 22 transit expansion projects planned for the Greater Toronto/Hamilton Area (GTHA).

In Toronto, Metrolinx has taken charge of delivering four new Light Rail Transit (LRT) Projects ($8.4 billion) and  future projects include a Downtown Relief Line ($6.2 billion).

Here is a list of funding tools they suggest we choose from to pay for this new public transit infrastructure:

  • Employer/Employee Payroll Tax
  • Auto Insurance Tax
  • Carbon Emissions Tax
  • Car Rental Fee
  • Cordon Charge (toll for entering or exiting certain zones)
  • Corporate Income Tax
  • Development Charges
  • Drivers' Licence Tax
  • Fuel Tax
  • High Occupancy Tolls (single occupancy cars using HOV lanes)
  • Highway Tolls
  • Land Transfer Tax
  • Land Value Capture
  • New Vehicle Sales Tax
  • Parking Sales Tax
  • Parking Space Levy
  • Property Tax
  • Sales Tax
  • Tax Increment Financing (stimulates development in dilapidated areas)
  • Transit Fare Increase
  • Transit Fare Restructuring (peak/off peak pricing)
  • Utility Levy
  • Vehicle Registration Tax
  • Vehicle Kilometres Travelled Charge
For a more comprehensive explanation of funding tools click here

Metrolinx is hosting roundtable discussions across the GTHA. TTCriders will be attending the meeting in North York: North York Central Library, Auditorium 6-8 pm on February 5th  and the meeting in Toronto: Metro Hall, Room 308 from 1-3 pm on February 9th.  To meet up with us and attend these meetings please email us at [email protected]

The City of Toronto is also conducting public consultations on funding for public transit:

These consultations are as follows: Mon Feb 4 4:00-6:30pm and 6:30-9:00pm     York Civic Centre, Council Chamber / Foyer 2700 Eglinton Ave West

Wed Feb 6 4:00-6:30pm and 6:30-9:00pm  Scarborough Civic Centre, Council Chamber / Foyer 150 Borough Drive

Mon Feb 11 4:00-6:30pm and 6:30-9:00pm     North York Civic Centre,  Members Lounge / Foyer 5100 Yonge Street      Wed Feb 13 4:00-6:30pm and 6:30-9:00pm  City Hall, Main Floor Foyer 100 Queen Street West

It is important that Metrolinx and the City of Toronto hear from us, the people who ride the TTC. If you are able to attend any of these meetings please email us at [email protected]. We will provide you with background information and a list of questions.

Latest posts

Take action

Tell your City Councillor: Freeze TTC Fares
Bus lanes now
Rally to Open the Crosstown
Protect Door-to-Door Wheel-Trans Service!
Tell Your MP: Sign the Transit Pledge
Add your name for Fare Capping!
Keep and Expand Free TTC Wi-Fi!

Connect with us