Metrolinx Responds to our Letter Regarding the Toronto Transit Expansion plans

The President and Chief Executive Officer of Metrolinx, Bruce McCuaig, replied to our May 1st Letter regarding Metrolinx's Toronto Transit Expansion plans.

TTCriders were thrilled to hear back from Metrolinx so soon after we contacted them. In his May 9th letter Mr. McCuaig said there were several factors that have impacted the schedule (for the Sheppard East LRT) including:

  • The review of the plan by the City (two construction seasons);
  • Time needed to re-start the project (the project team was reassigned and time is needed to mobilize the team);
  • Time needed to re-start real estate acquisition and utility relocations and in addition,
  • The need to complete an open, competitive and transparent procurement process which is expected to take about 18 months.
Mr. McCuaig explained that during a review of the Toronto Transit Expansion projects  "it was determined that these transit projects will use Infrastructure Ontario, subject to the completion of value-for-money analysis to ensure these projects are build on schedule and on budget."

According to the FAQ on its website "Infrastructure Ontario (IO) is a crown agency of the Ontario government focused on modernizing and financing the renewal of public infrastructure, maximizing the value of public real estate and managing government facilities.  We provide project delivery, lending, real estate management and asset planning expertise, and are driven to provide value for money and exceptional service to our customers."

In other words the IO process is designed to keep projects on time, on budget and on schedule. However, if we're not mistaken, Toronto's Transit Expansion plans are actually being delayed by following the IO process that is designed to ensure projects are not delayed.

We hope TTC Commissioners will formally comment on and contribute to the discussion of  Metorlinx's project delivery plans. Perhaps the staff report they are set to receive at the TTC's May 30th meeting which will respond to Metrolinx's plans will provide an opportunity for the Commission  to weigh in on this vitally important topic.

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