The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) released its proposed 2023 operating budget, one that would see millions of new dollars invested in system safety and cleanliness while delivering service based on new, post-pandemic ridership patterns, according to the agency's news release.

The budget recommends a 10-cent fare increase on single cash and PRESTO rides while freezing fares for seniors, Fair Pass program users, and those with PRESTO monthly and annual passes. Revenue from this fare increase, in addition to the city’s proposed subsidy to the TTC of $958.7 million will go toward measures to ensure the transit system is safe for all Torontonians.

The $2.38 billion combined operating budgets for both conventional and Wheel-Trans services represents a 4.2% increase over the approved 2022 budget (exclusive of COVID costs) and includes:

• More than $4 million for safety, security, and cleanliness. This includes hiring 10 additional Streets to Homes outreach workers, adding 25 new Transit Special Constable positions and filling 25 vacant positions, and introducing enhanced daily streetcar cleaning.

• Nearly $3 million dedicated to service improvements in routes serving Neighbourhood Improvement Areas and expansion of the Fair Pass Program to an additional 50,000 lower-income Torontonians.

• Almost $43 million to cover the opening of Line 5 Eglinton-Crosstown and Line 6 Finch West, and the bus replacement of Line 3 Scarborough RT.

• A commitment to deliver 91% of pre-pandemic service levels even as ridership is predicted to reach just 75% of pre-pandemic norms at the end of the year.

“This proposed budget reflects the needs of residents, of TTC workers, and of the transit system itself,” said TTC Chair Jon Burnside. “I’m confident that with these investments and focused improvement of services, we are setting up our transit system to be safer, more reliable, and more accessible for all. I want to thank TTC staff for their hard work to prepare this budget and look forward to discussing it at our Board meeting next week.”

This year’s share of the $12.5 billion 2023-2032 capital budget plan is approximately $1.34 billion, comprising $800 million for infrastructure and state-of-good repair projects, $455 million for vehicle purchases and overhauls, and $88 million for transit expansion-related work.

The capital budget report also updates both the TTC’s 15-year, $38 billion Capital Investment Plan (CIP) and Real Estate Investment Plan, a 15-year strategic roadmap that supports the CIP.

“As we come out of the pandemic and our ridership patterns evolve, the TTC is positioning itself to keep Toronto moving and to be there for those who need us most,” said Rick Leary, TTC CEO. “This proposal balances our need to deliver safe service while contending with lower revenues and increased operating costs associated with inflation and new transit lines.”