11/29/12 Global Toronto | TTC to operate four new LRT lines in Toronto

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TTC to operate four new LRT lines in Toronto
Arman Aghbali, Wednesday, October 03, 2012 8:21 PM
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TORONTO - The new rapid transit lines meant to give the
city's ailing transit system a much-needed face lift will be
run by the Toronto Transit Commission after all, the
organization announced Wednesday.
Metrolinx, the provincial agency that owns much of the
transportation infrastructure in Toronto and Hamilton, had
previously threatened to bring in a private partner to
operate the LRTs and cut the TTC out of the process
entirely.
But officials said weeks of intense negotiations yielded a deal that maintains the commission's
stake in the city's major transit project while finding an effective way to divide labour for the four
new lines.
"We're transforming transit," TTC chair Karen Stintz said at a news conference. "But when you
transform transit, you're going to hit a few bumps along the road."
TTC employees will pilot the trains, sell the tickets, and enforce security, officials said, adding they
will maintain full control of the LRT lines. A Metrolinx private contractor will be responsible for
maintenance.
Stintz said she's glad to see the TTC will remain involved in the project, adding passengers won't
have to worry about paying two fairs when transferring between existing lines and the new LRTs
since they'll be operated by the same organization.
TTC chief executive Andy Byford also lauded the agreement.
"It's a partnership that will deliver world-class seamless LRT transit that will transform this great
city of Toronto," he said.
But the deal did not meet with approval in all quarters. Ontario New Democrat transit critic
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11/29/12 Global Toronto | TTC to operate four new LRT lines in Toronto
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The Canadian Press, 2012
Rosario Marchese said he was troubled by the involvement of the private sector, adding the
collaboration will result in higher costs to TTC riders.
"When the private sector is involved it means in order for them to borrow, they will have higher
interest rates," Marchese said, referring to the Metrolinx's outsourcing of the design and
construction of the new trains to the private sector.
City council has already approved, in principle, a 5-cent increase in transit fares.
Metrolinx and the TTC have yet to work out how to divide the costs for the new LRT lines, which
are slated to start rolling by 2020.
The Ontario government has committed to funding the project's $8.4 billion price tag.
Transport Minister Bob Chiarelli said "we're determined to get the best value for taxpayer
dollars."

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