Jessica Bell MPP, University–Rosedale

Government of Ontario

It's time Doug Ford ramp up support for the TTC and made-in-Ontario transit

Published on October 22, 2020

Today, the TTC is voting to order more buses, subways, streetcars, and Wheel-Trans buses, but the order will fall short of what is needed to replace aging vehicles. If the Premier fails to ramp up financial support, the City will only be able to purchase a small fraction of what we need to fix overcrowding and ensure service keeps up with demand. 

If Doug Ford steps up to the plate, federal funding would kick in, the TTC would instead be able to purchase 60 streetcars, 80 subway cars, 512 Wheel-Trans vehicles, and 1,422 buses.  

Under the current budget, the TTC is only able to purchase a mere 13 streetcars, 70 Wheel-Trans buses and NO subway cars.

We have the capacity to build transit vehicles right here in Ontario. Thunder Bay is ready to support green, made-in-Ontario manufacturing, which would help us in our economic recovery from COVID-19.

Today I asked the Premier why he's failed to step up the plate

If this government is truly committed to helping Ontario recover and helping commuters, it needs to take this opportunity and step-up. People who count on transit in Ontario deserve accessible, fast, and reliable service at an affordable price.

ACT NOW:

Email the Minister of Transportation, Premier Doug Ford, and your local MPP to demand the government ramp-up funding for the TTC and support made-in-Ontario transit.