Steve X
Senior Member
Correction: make uber/taxi earn money easier while flooding the streets on Saturday night making streetcars slowly crawl through. Typical drivers aren't the one taking advantage.
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- Thread starter drum118
- Start date
drum118
Superstar
Canada’s three biggest transit agencies urge Federal Government to advance next wave of transit funding
Mar. 19, 2024
Chief executives from Toronto’s, Montreal’s, and Metro Vancouver’s transit agencies are appealing to the Federal Government to launch the promised Permanent Transit Fund (PTF) two years ahead of schedule in order to help them address growing pressures on their systems.
In a joint Federal Budget Submission, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), Société de transport de Montréal (STM) and TransLink called on Ottawa to “advance the commitment of funding under the new federal Permanent Transit Fund by early 2024, instead of 2026, to enable critical projects and programs to advance and support long term capital planning.”
The full budget submission can be accessed at: https://www.translink.ca/-/media/979339a466634990aebebb035d0dc2c8.
Public transit in Canada’s three largest metropolitan areas represents critical national infrastructure, an essential service that keeps our cities moving, working, and thriving. Some of Canada’s most pressing current challenges – climate change, housing affordability, immigrant settlement, innovation – require vibrant, successful public transit systems.
Together the STM, TransLink and the TTC in 2022:
• Generated approximately 60% of Canada’s transit ridership.
• Enabled mobility at the centre of regions that are home to 1 out of every 3 Canadians.
• Served the core of regional economies that generated 40% of Canada’s national GDP.
In the joint submission, the transit agencies outline significant challenges they face due to aging infrastructure, an outdated funding model that relies on regressive sources such as transit fares and property taxes, and the exceptional ridership growth forecasted for the coming decades. With approximately 2.35 million new residents expected before 2050 in the three cities, immediate and sustained investment in transit operations, state of good repair and building capacity is essential to prepare for this growth.
In addition to accelerating delivery of the PTF, the submission also requests that the Government permanently double the Canadian Communities Building Fund (CCBF) as a proven predictable funding stream for municipal infrastructure needs, and establish a forum for ongoing tri-partite engagement with all orders of government on the development of a sustainable, long-term funding model for public transit that considers the full capital and operating costs of providing high quality transit services.
The transit agencies are warning that if the Government fails to deliver new funding for urban transit systems in the 2024/2025 budget, it will put in jeopardy new transit-oriented developments and reduce access to affordable housing that all three cities are working to deliver with their provincial and federal government partners.
QUOTES
Rick Leary, CEO, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) –
“A strong public transit system is fundamental to meeting our affordability and climate action goals. With the City of Toronto and Province of Ontario committing hundreds of millions of dollars toward new subway trains for Line 2, we are hoping the Government of Canada will open the PTF early in order for us to start the process of purchasing the new trains. While that’s our immediate pressure, we also hope to be able to use this fund for new buses.”
Marie-Claude Léonard, CEO, Société de transport de Montréal (STM) –
“We have a rapidly growing population and an urgent need for ongoing sustainable transportation to meet our environmental goals – we cannot afford to wait another two years for access to the Permanent Transit Fund. We need that funding now to ensure reliable operation of our networks. It’s unthinkable that we would have to cut public transit services or put off refurbishing and replacing our outdated infrastructure because the available funds were allocated too late.”
Kevin Quinn, CEO, TransLink –
“Just last year, Metro Vancouver’s population grew by 90,000 people – which was nearly double the projected growth for our region. As our population grows it’s imperative that our transit system expands as well. A federal funding commitment is urgently needed to help us meet the needs of our growing region through our ten-year Access for Everyone plan.”
Mar. 19, 2024
Chief executives from Toronto’s, Montreal’s, and Metro Vancouver’s transit agencies are appealing to the Federal Government to launch the promised Permanent Transit Fund (PTF) two years ahead of schedule in order to help them address growing pressures on their systems.
In a joint Federal Budget Submission, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), Société de transport de Montréal (STM) and TransLink called on Ottawa to “advance the commitment of funding under the new federal Permanent Transit Fund by early 2024, instead of 2026, to enable critical projects and programs to advance and support long term capital planning.”
The full budget submission can be accessed at: https://www.translink.ca/-/media/979339a466634990aebebb035d0dc2c8.
Public transit in Canada’s three largest metropolitan areas represents critical national infrastructure, an essential service that keeps our cities moving, working, and thriving. Some of Canada’s most pressing current challenges – climate change, housing affordability, immigrant settlement, innovation – require vibrant, successful public transit systems.
Together the STM, TransLink and the TTC in 2022:
• Generated approximately 60% of Canada’s transit ridership.
• Enabled mobility at the centre of regions that are home to 1 out of every 3 Canadians.
• Served the core of regional economies that generated 40% of Canada’s national GDP.
In the joint submission, the transit agencies outline significant challenges they face due to aging infrastructure, an outdated funding model that relies on regressive sources such as transit fares and property taxes, and the exceptional ridership growth forecasted for the coming decades. With approximately 2.35 million new residents expected before 2050 in the three cities, immediate and sustained investment in transit operations, state of good repair and building capacity is essential to prepare for this growth.
In addition to accelerating delivery of the PTF, the submission also requests that the Government permanently double the Canadian Communities Building Fund (CCBF) as a proven predictable funding stream for municipal infrastructure needs, and establish a forum for ongoing tri-partite engagement with all orders of government on the development of a sustainable, long-term funding model for public transit that considers the full capital and operating costs of providing high quality transit services.
The transit agencies are warning that if the Government fails to deliver new funding for urban transit systems in the 2024/2025 budget, it will put in jeopardy new transit-oriented developments and reduce access to affordable housing that all three cities are working to deliver with their provincial and federal government partners.
QUOTES
Rick Leary, CEO, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) –
“A strong public transit system is fundamental to meeting our affordability and climate action goals. With the City of Toronto and Province of Ontario committing hundreds of millions of dollars toward new subway trains for Line 2, we are hoping the Government of Canada will open the PTF early in order for us to start the process of purchasing the new trains. While that’s our immediate pressure, we also hope to be able to use this fund for new buses.”
Marie-Claude Léonard, CEO, Société de transport de Montréal (STM) –
“We have a rapidly growing population and an urgent need for ongoing sustainable transportation to meet our environmental goals – we cannot afford to wait another two years for access to the Permanent Transit Fund. We need that funding now to ensure reliable operation of our networks. It’s unthinkable that we would have to cut public transit services or put off refurbishing and replacing our outdated infrastructure because the available funds were allocated too late.”
Kevin Quinn, CEO, TransLink –
“Just last year, Metro Vancouver’s population grew by 90,000 people – which was nearly double the projected growth for our region. As our population grows it’s imperative that our transit system expands as well. A federal funding commitment is urgently needed to help us meet the needs of our growing region through our ten-year Access for Everyone plan.”
JasonParis
Moderator
The "huge amount of people" are on the 504. Check the modal splits. Rules need to be simple, especially as they are barely being followed as is (unless there are two police offers literally standing in the intersection, that is).
drum118
Superstar
TTC launching enhanced fare compliance campaign
March 21, 2024
This week, the TTC is rolling out a new campaign reminding everyone about the importance of paying fares and warning those who steal rides that they are subject to fines.
“The TTC is not free, and even with a significant City of Toronto operating subsidy, we rely heavily on fares. They fund safe, reliable service for hundreds of millions of customers every year and they allow us to keep those fares reasonably priced,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary. “We need those who willfully deprive our system of funds to understand that their actions have consequences, including less service for others and a fine for themselves.”
The TTC’s campaign comes as a new internal audit report shows fare evasion at an all-time high. The TTC’s auditors found that in 2023, fare evasion was at almost 12 per cent and cost the system close to $124 million in lost revenue. Those numbers are almost double the 2018 review that placed evasion at around six per cent costing the TTC $60-70 million a year.
The audit presentation can be found at:
Over the past several months, the TTC has increased staff for both fare compliance and improved safety and security. This includes hiring fare inspectors, special constables and 130 new stations staff who will be present at secondary entrances to address the issue of gate crashing and assist customers as needed.
The TTC also introduced a new fare collection process that ensures customers are treated with respect and provides enhanced accountability, including the creation of a complaints office. More information is available at: https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/safety-and-security/FISCC/Submit-a-Complaint
“We have a team of dedicated, well-trained and compassionate individuals on staff who will treat our customers fairly,” Leary said. “I would hope that they are shown the same respect while they do their jobs.”
The issue of fare evasion is not unique to the TTC. Systems across North America and Europe are wrestling with fare evasion. In their most recent studies, London’s TFL and New York’s MTA both reported hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue due to fare evasion.
Starting this week, a new campaign containing a variety of fare evasion messages will be rolled out across the TTC. The campaign focuses on the importance and benefits of paying proper fares while also reminding those who face financial difficulties about the City’s Fair Pass program. Details available at: https://www.ttc.ca/Fares-and-passes/Other-passes/Fair-Pass-Transit-Discount-Program
As well, customers can expect to see increased fare inspection activity and more staff at locations known to be prone to fare evasion. Transit Fare Inspectors will be patrolling the downtown streetcar network and transfer points in stations and there will be an increased presence of supervisors and Special Constables on the bus network. These measures not only deter fare evasion, they help make the TTC safer through increased visibility of staff.
TTC staff will report back to the May Board meeting on responsive enforcement plans and the impact the new measures have had since the auditor’s study.
March 21, 2024
This week, the TTC is rolling out a new campaign reminding everyone about the importance of paying fares and warning those who steal rides that they are subject to fines.
“The TTC is not free, and even with a significant City of Toronto operating subsidy, we rely heavily on fares. They fund safe, reliable service for hundreds of millions of customers every year and they allow us to keep those fares reasonably priced,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary. “We need those who willfully deprive our system of funds to understand that their actions have consequences, including less service for others and a fine for themselves.”
The TTC’s campaign comes as a new internal audit report shows fare evasion at an all-time high. The TTC’s auditors found that in 2023, fare evasion was at almost 12 per cent and cost the system close to $124 million in lost revenue. Those numbers are almost double the 2018 review that placed evasion at around six per cent costing the TTC $60-70 million a year.
The audit presentation can be found at:
Over the past several months, the TTC has increased staff for both fare compliance and improved safety and security. This includes hiring fare inspectors, special constables and 130 new stations staff who will be present at secondary entrances to address the issue of gate crashing and assist customers as needed.
The TTC also introduced a new fare collection process that ensures customers are treated with respect and provides enhanced accountability, including the creation of a complaints office. More information is available at: https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/safety-and-security/FISCC/Submit-a-Complaint
“We have a team of dedicated, well-trained and compassionate individuals on staff who will treat our customers fairly,” Leary said. “I would hope that they are shown the same respect while they do their jobs.”
The issue of fare evasion is not unique to the TTC. Systems across North America and Europe are wrestling with fare evasion. In their most recent studies, London’s TFL and New York’s MTA both reported hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue due to fare evasion.
Starting this week, a new campaign containing a variety of fare evasion messages will be rolled out across the TTC. The campaign focuses on the importance and benefits of paying proper fares while also reminding those who face financial difficulties about the City’s Fair Pass program. Details available at: https://www.ttc.ca/Fares-and-passes/Other-passes/Fair-Pass-Transit-Discount-Program
As well, customers can expect to see increased fare inspection activity and more staff at locations known to be prone to fare evasion. Transit Fare Inspectors will be patrolling the downtown streetcar network and transfer points in stations and there will be an increased presence of supervisors and Special Constables on the bus network. These measures not only deter fare evasion, they help make the TTC safer through increased visibility of staff.
TTC staff will report back to the May Board meeting on responsive enforcement plans and the impact the new measures have had since the auditor’s study.
drum118
Superstar
A fun weekend for getting around in the GTA with No GO Service on Lakeshore West Line
Extra TTC service for Saturday events and upcoming nightly subway closures
Mar. 21, 2024
The TTC will be running extra subway and streetcar services this Sat., Mar. 23 to give customers attending several events in the city more transit options, with the GO Transit Lakeshore West line closed for construction.
With Toronto FC, the Maple Leafs, and the Marlies all hosting home games, along with the Toronto Game Expo at Exhibition Place, the TTC will be running extra service on Line 1 Yonge-University and Line 2 Bloor-Danforth. Extra streetcars will also be running on the 509 Harbourfront and 511 Bathurst routes.
Monday – Friday early nightly subway closures between St George and Woodbine stations
Mon., Mar. 25 through Fri., Mar. 29, subway service on the portion of Line 2 Bloor-Danforth between St George and Woodbine stations will end nightly at 11 p.m., leading in to a full weekend closure on Mar. 30 and Mar. 31.
Shuttle buses will run, stopping at each station along the route. TTC staff will be on hand to direct customers to shuttle boarding and offloading locations. Bay, Sherbourne, Chester, and Greenwood stations will be closed during these hours. All other subway stations will remain open for customers to load PRESTO cards, purchase PRESTO tickets and connect to surface routes.
Customers who require Wheel-Trans service can speak with any TTC customer service staff member for assistance.
The closures will allow crews to perform essential track maintenance, including work to replace a rail switch between Broadview and Chester stations.
Nightly single-track operation between Finch West and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre stations
Mon., Mar. 25 through Wed., Mar. 27, trains on Line 1 Yonge-University between Finch West and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre stations will operate on a single track nightly from 11 p.m., to accommodate maintenance work on the northbound tracks. Customers will need to change trains at Finch West Station to continue their journey. The TTC is advising customers to expect delays of up to 20 minutes during this time.
While the TTC does most subway maintenance at the conclusion of service each night, it continues to require weekend and early weeknight closures to complete critical infrastructure and state-of-good-repair work.
The TTC is committed to keeping customers informed about work and events that impact service, as well as alternate route options. For the most up-to-date information, follow @TTCNotices on X or sign up for eAlerts.
Extra TTC service for Saturday events and upcoming nightly subway closures
Mar. 21, 2024
The TTC will be running extra subway and streetcar services this Sat., Mar. 23 to give customers attending several events in the city more transit options, with the GO Transit Lakeshore West line closed for construction.
With Toronto FC, the Maple Leafs, and the Marlies all hosting home games, along with the Toronto Game Expo at Exhibition Place, the TTC will be running extra service on Line 1 Yonge-University and Line 2 Bloor-Danforth. Extra streetcars will also be running on the 509 Harbourfront and 511 Bathurst routes.
Monday – Friday early nightly subway closures between St George and Woodbine stations
Mon., Mar. 25 through Fri., Mar. 29, subway service on the portion of Line 2 Bloor-Danforth between St George and Woodbine stations will end nightly at 11 p.m., leading in to a full weekend closure on Mar. 30 and Mar. 31.
Shuttle buses will run, stopping at each station along the route. TTC staff will be on hand to direct customers to shuttle boarding and offloading locations. Bay, Sherbourne, Chester, and Greenwood stations will be closed during these hours. All other subway stations will remain open for customers to load PRESTO cards, purchase PRESTO tickets and connect to surface routes.
Customers who require Wheel-Trans service can speak with any TTC customer service staff member for assistance.
The closures will allow crews to perform essential track maintenance, including work to replace a rail switch between Broadview and Chester stations.
Nightly single-track operation between Finch West and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre stations
Mon., Mar. 25 through Wed., Mar. 27, trains on Line 1 Yonge-University between Finch West and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre stations will operate on a single track nightly from 11 p.m., to accommodate maintenance work on the northbound tracks. Customers will need to change trains at Finch West Station to continue their journey. The TTC is advising customers to expect delays of up to 20 minutes during this time.
While the TTC does most subway maintenance at the conclusion of service each night, it continues to require weekend and early weeknight closures to complete critical infrastructure and state-of-good-repair work.
The TTC is committed to keeping customers informed about work and events that impact service, as well as alternate route options. For the most up-to-date information, follow @TTCNotices on X or sign up for eAlerts.
turbanplanner
Senior Member
You’re being illogical, you’d need hundreds of cars to “sneak in” after 10pm to cause any noticeable slowdown to riders, imo the harder you make it to call a cab/Uber the more you incentivize drunk driving and that has very real and tragic penalties vs some Uber drivers who probably don’t even live downtown getting a “free pass”
turbanplanner
Senior Member
If this prevents even ONE club goer from driving drunk I’m totally ok with that
nfitz
Superstar
Are you arguing that this isn't a problem on Friday and Saturday evenings (especially in the summer)? When was the last time you took a streetcar west along King Street after 10 pm on a weekend?
JasonParis
Moderator
I'm not being illogical and use cabs and ride-shares quite frequently. Nobody doesn't hail a ride because of King transit priority, nor would anyone think to not to if the priority didn't apply to cabs. Thedrivers simply take a slightly longer route if they need to go east-west somewhere along King as ride shares already do.
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turbanplanner
Senior Member
Again people here are making INSANE assumptions that Ubers will drive on king street empty just for fun
I’ve taken it pretty often late at night when coming from the distillery district, love when there is a service suspension but Ubers (a form of public transit) can’t use a empty street
evandyk
Senior Member
Ubers can still use the street. There is no place where King is closed to Ubers.
DSC
Superstar
The signage is quite clear. Ubers can use the street only when NOT driving straight through most east-west intersections. Only authorized vehicles (which includes TTC, fire and police) can do this 24/7 and taxis can do it only from 10pm to 5am
nfitz
Superstar
I'm surprised - it used to be a complete shit-show around John - but I confess to have not done it since Covid.Again people here are making INSANE assumptions that Ubers will drive on king street empty just for fun
I’ve taken it pretty often late at night when coming from the distillery district, love when there is a service suspension but Ubers (a form of public transit) can’t use a empty street
JasonParis
Moderator
Incorrect. Only cabs can legally. We are discussing though if restrictions should be changed to apply to cabs too.
gabe
Senior Member
Just another crazy day on the TTC.
toronto.citynews.ca
Video shows police officers beating man on TTC subway, Toronto Police investigating
Video shows police officers beating man on TTC subway, Toronto Police investigating
Toronto Police say they are aware of a video circulating on social media that shows a violent interaction between five police officers and a man on a TTC subway train. The video, posted to Instagram on Thursday and seen by CityNews, shows police initially standing around a man who is seated...
toronto.citynews.ca