Express Buses Coming To Lake Shore Boulvevard West

Commissioners voted in favour of starting a premium-fare express bus service serving the Humber Bay Shores neighbourhood in Etobicoke. Starting next fall, express buses will run along Lake Shore Boulevard West, from east of Park Lawn Road to downtown, in both the morning and afternoon rush hours. Coinciding with the new service will be an aggressive promotion campaign to the local community.

Operator Barriers Approved For Buses And Streetcars

Commissioners approved the award of a contract worth $5.2 million for the supply protective barriers for bus Operators. The TTC is scheduled to begin installing the barriers on more than 1,300 vehicles in early 2009. All buses and streetcars are scheduled to be equipped by late 2010. New buses arriving next year will come equipped with the protective barriers.

Twin-Tunnel Contract Awarded For Spadina Subway Extension

Commissioners approved the award of a contract worth $12 million for the design of 6.6-kilometres of twin tunnels, and associated structures, for the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension. The subway extension is being funded by the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, Regional Municipality of York, and the City of Toronto.

Wheel-Trans Taxi Service Contracts Awarded

Commissioners approved two contracts worth $38 million for sedan meter-based taxi service for Wheel-Trans over the next five years. These contracts are structured to improve the quality of service to customers. Taxi service is scheduled to begin on Jan. 11, 2009.

Platform Paramedic Pilot Has Positive Results

Commissioners were updated by Toronto Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on the joint pilot with the TTC that has a paramedic on the ready during the rush hours. EMS reported capturing about 70 per cent of emergency calls within a 12-minute radius of Bloor-Yonge Station where the paramedic is stationed. This has resulted in quicker patient care and less delays to subway service. Platform paramedics have also freed up ambulance crews on the road. The TTC and EMS joined forces last August. The pilot runs until Jan. 3, 2009.