TTC Chair pushes transit funding as election issue
TTC CEO points to improvements in running system
TTC Chair Josh Colle waded into the federal election today with a call for all federal parties to fund public transit.
Colle's announcement came on a day when the transit authority welcomed its 30 billionth rider.
"My plea today is: It's a federal election, people [are] knocking on your doors. Let's remind those people we need consistent funding that goes beyond splashy announcements," Colle said.
The issue of funding remains a persistent one for the TTC with talk of a fare increase in 2016.
Colle was joined on Monday by Andy Byford, the TTC's Chief Executive Officer, who said an ongoing internal push to improve service is netting positive results.
'What are the customers saying?'
"To me, the acid test is 'What are the customers saying?'" Byford said, adding that "I would say three years ago, you would have seen rubbish strewn across the tracks."
Byford said the focus remains on a well-run system.
"Getting the basics of running a railway right is very important for me."
Colle noted that pressures continue to grow as the system does, as well.
"We are expanding bus and streetcar service and frequency, we are adding cell service and wifi to subway stations," he said.
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