I think that was the plan. Kill the current proposal and agency (if possible) and not replace it with anything that would actually happen. See the new TCHC board (repairs way behind schedule) and Finch Subway.
Getting the public to buy into a magical unfunded fantasy is just as good as an outright cancellation, but has better optics.
It happens elsewhere too; for example replacing the moon landing with a mission to mars. It's even possible to pretend to fund it but using terms so onerous on your successors that they'll be forced to cancel it (and look bad) for you.
I've seen it in private companies too. Senior Manager creates a fantastical project, leaves company for a better paying job using the project as a selling point at job interviews (assumed benefits stated as fact, but possible), and the new guy immediately kills the project because it is already way over budget and barely started.