Toronto’s transit system is facing a difficult reality – it doesn’t have the money to keep service levels where they are presently.

During an event at the Hillcrest TTC complex to kick off a United Way campaign, Mayor Olivia Chow had some pointed words about how to pay for TTC operations, stressing it won’t be through a fare increase.

Transit commissioners heard this past week that the system has a budgetary shortfall of $36.5 million, partly due to lower ridership. With a mayoral election in 2026, Mayor Chow reached out to current and potential transit riders.

“We are counting on more riders coming in because I believe that as we increase service, as we make the TTC more reliable, people will say that is the better way,” explained Chow.

But bringing in more riders comes with a cost. F

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