September 26, 2008

At its August 27, 2008 Commission meeting, the TTC approved in principle the implementation of a commuter parking system-wide cash-only pricing strategy.  As a result, Metropass holders, including subscribers to the TTC’s Metropass Discount Plan (MDP) and Volume Incentive Plan (VIP), will no longer be able to park for free at TTC commuter parking lots, beginning in April, 2009.

TTC commuter parking lots include about 14,000 spaces.  The TTC loses approximately $ 4 million per year, attributed to the fact that 80 percent of all parking spaces are occupied by Metropass users. Details about daily parking fees will be announced in early 2009.

Free parking will still be available after 3 p.m. and all day on weekends and holidays.

The Toronto Transit Commission moves 460 million people every year – about 1.5 million riders every weekday. The TTC is the third largest public transit system in North America servicing some
4.5 million people in the Greater Toronto Area, with a network of subways, streetcars, buses, and a specialized service, Wheel-Trans, for people who require accessible transportation. The TTC is committed to meeting the growing needs of the region with subway and light rail expansion, carrying an additional 175 million riders by 2021.

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Media contact: Danny Nicholson, Corporate Communications Supervisor, 416-393 3741, danny.nicholson@ttc.ca