Mandeep Lali has officially taken the reins as the new CEO of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), stepping into a role filled with significant challenges. With a background in major transit systems like New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority and London's Transport for London, Lali's experience is extensive. However, he now faces a daunting list of issues that could define his tenure.

The TTC has been grappling with a myriad of problems, including a subway system riddled with slow zones and a growing backlog of repairs. The agency's infrastructure is in dire need of attention, with an estimated $11.2 billion required over the next decade to maintain a state of good repair. Slow zones, which force trains to crawl to prevent further damage to the tracks, have become a common frustration for riders. In 2025 alone, the TTC has planned 16 weekend closures and 114 early closures on Line 1, along with numerous diversions on streetcar routes. This has led to increased inconvenience for commuters, who are already feeling the strain of the system's limitations.

In addition to addressing the existing infrastructure issues, Lali will oversee the integration of new projects, including the long-awaited Eglinton Crosstown and Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines. The province has pledged $330 million over three years to support these projects, but no additional funding has been promised. The Ontario Line, another major project, is also under construction and is expected to connect various parts of the city by 2032. However, with typical CEO tenures lasting only five to six years, it remains uncertain whether Lali will be in charge when these projects come to fruition.

Rider dissatisfaction is another pressing concern. Transit ridership has not yet rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, and complaints have surged. A recent report indicated that only 10 out of 179 bus and streetcar routes met the TTC's own on-time service goals during rush hour. In 2023, the agency received over five complaints every hour, with delays being the most common issue reported. The situation has been particularly challenging in Scarborough, where the closure of the Scarborough Rapid Transit (SRT) line has forced commuters to rely on replacement buses, significantly extending their travel times.

Safety on the TTC has improved since a series of violent incidents in 2022 and 2023, but concerns remain. As of April, only 65% of riders expressed satisfaction with safety on the transit system. The TTC is also working to combat fare evasion, which costs the agency approximately $140 million annually. This includes increasing the presence of fare inspectors and implementing an anti-racism strategy to address concerns about disproportionate targeting of marginalized communities.

Financially, the TTC faces a precarious situation. Since the province withdrew operating funding in the 1990s, the city has shouldered the financial burden. The current operating budget stands at $2.81 billion, primarily funded through subsidies and agency revenues. With fares frozen for the second consecutive year, the TTC's financial model is vulnerable to fluctuations in ridership, which have been exacerbated by ongoing service issues.

Lali's appointment comes at a critical time for the TTC. He is the first person of color to lead the agency, succeeding Rick Leary, who resigned amid workplace misconduct allegations. Lali's leadership will be closely watched as he navigates the complexities of Toronto's transit landscape, aiming to restore rider confidence and improve service reliability.