Commission receives Transit City Update

The Commission received an update on the Transit City project. Significant progress is being made for all seven Transit City Light Rail lines and the Scarborough RT.  Design and engineering work is proceeding to allow for the start of construction on the Sheppard East LRT this fall. Preliminary work is also underway for the Etobicoke-Finch West line and for the maintenance and storage facilities need for the line.

Improvements to 501 Queen continue

Commissioners received a status update on the 501 Queen streetcar route. TTC staff will continue developing and implementing new route management strategies aimed at improving the overall performance of the 501 Queen line.

TTC Parking lot security plan

The Commission approved a plan to improve security at TTC commuter parking lots. The plan will utilize the Toronto Parking Authority and Intelligarde. Uniformed Intelligarde security personnel, in marked vehicles, will patrol the subway commuter lot locations with the highest number of criminal offences. Many other initiatives will take place including crime prevention signage and pamphlets.

Trolley buses

The Commission received a report discussing the potential for re-introducing electric trolley bus service in Toronto. It was noted that trolley buses are attractive from the standpoint of air quality, noise and the ability to negotiate steep grades. However, the trolley buses are less attractive because they have less flexibility for route diversions. The substantial capital investment required for a new trolley service would be difficult to afford from the TTC alone. The report has been referred to the City of Toronto and Metrolinx for consideration.