TTC Subway Hits High International Benchmarks

Commissioners received a presentation from the Nova Group of metros (a transit system benchmarking organization) on the performance of the TTC subway system compared to its international peers. Based on its cost-recovery performance, off-peak frequency and high labour productivity, the Nova Group concluded that Toronto’s subway system offers customers excellent value for money.

Ashbridges Bay Fleet Storage Facility Assessment

Commissioners approved the recommendations of an assessment study for a replacement fleet maintenance and storage facility at the southeast corner of Lakeshore Boulevard East and Leslie Street (Ashbridges Bay site) and the alignment of the non-revenue service connection to Queen Street via Leslie Street. This facility will be the carhouse that stores the TTC’s future light rail vehicles for its legacy streetcar network.

The report was approved by Toronto City Council on June 9, and will be forwarded to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.

Contract Awarded for Eglinton Crosstown LRT Tunnel Boring Machines

Commissioners authorized TTC staff to award a contract worth nearly $54 million to Lovat Inc. for a total of four Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) and ancillary equipment. The TBMs will be used to dig twin tunnels with a total length of 22 kilometres for both tunnels.

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT project is an approximately 31-kilometre Transit City line comprised of street-level, dedicated right-of-way track complete with 11 kilometres of bored twin tunnels, from Black Creek Drive in the west end to Brentcliffe Drive in the east end.

Contract Awarded for Dufferin Station Moderization

Commissioners approved the award of a contract worth $30 million to Buttcon Ltd. for interior and exterior upgrades to Dufferin Station on the Bloor-Danforth Subway. The TTC’s Station Modernization Program aims to re-finish subway facilities that are in excess of 40 years old and showing signs of wear and age. Station improvements include: easier access, a second exit, fire alarm system upgrades and improved lighting. Final finishes and artwork for the station were approved by Commissioners in 2009.

Woodbine Station Accessibility Concept

Commissioners approved in principle the conceptual design for Woodbine Station on the Bloor-Danforth Subway to add a second exit and make the station fully accessible. The conceptual design includes: two elevators, a barrier-free path between the elevators, an expanded entrance building at street level, easier access fare gates, a realigned bus driveway and reconfigured concourse level. Public consultation will take place on June 29. Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2011.

TTC to Study Open Payments Fare System

Commissioners authorized the award of a contract worth $1.3 million for consulting services to assist the TTC to develop a business case, and a potential public-private partnership agreement, for an open standard-based fare payment system. A preliminary business plan is designed to outline the potential costs, benefits and impacts that an open-payments system will have on TTC customers, existing operations and business processes.

The study of open payments does not change the TTC’s participation in the provincially led, GTA-wide PRESTO Farecard System.