TORONTO, March 1, 2022 – Today’s announcement from the Government of Ontario will reduce transit fares for many residents across the Toronto region. While this welcome news is a significant step towards an integrated transit system, it excludes the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), and by extension, the people and workers of the City of Toronto.
“We are in a once-in-a-generation race for talent. Waiting to integrate fares for Toronto locks out talent, especially lower-income earners,” said Jan De Silva, President and CEO of the Toronto Region Board of Trade. “True fare integration would deliver immediate impact and benefits for workers ready to return to the office, and for all the essential workers that relied on transit throughout the pandemic.”
The TTC is the heart of Toronto's transportation network and is a critical part of what makes our business region one of the most competitive and sought after in the world.
Given that the government is investing billions in transit infrastructure, creating dozens of new connections between TTC and GO – the cost of fare integration would be a drop in the bucket that would pay for itself over time.
We encourage governments at all levels to read our report: Erasing the Invisible Line: Integrating the Toronto Region’s Transit Networks. It outlines the numerous opportunities that would flow from transit integration among TTC and 905 service providers.
The Toronto Region Board of Trade is one of the largest and most influential business chambers in North America and is a catalyst for the region’s economic agenda. We pursue policy change to drive the growth and competitiveness of the Toronto region and facilitate market opportunities with programs, partnerships and connections to help our members succeed – domestically and internationally.
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