Toronto Transit loses $13.6M due to SARS, blackout

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has lost $13.6 million due to SARS and last month's blackout, said The Toronto Star. The TTC estimates it lost 6 million rides due to SARS and another 2.5 million rides after the power outage shut down the subway and streetcar lines for four days, said the paper. Unless the city receives government compensation to make up for the difference, the TTC may have to cut service levels or hike fares, said TTC spokesperson Lynn Hilborn. Traditionally, fares cover approximately 80% of the system's operating costs, with property taxpayers making up the difference.