TTC readies LRT expansion despite fiscal squeeze
Written by Douglas John Bowen Budget constraints notwithstanding, the Toronto Transit Commission appears determined to move ahead on the first of seven planned light rail transit extensions, setting a September groundbreaking for the Sheppard East line.
Funding permitting, work will begin in 2010 on the Englinton Crosstown line and the Etobicoke-Finch West line, serving Toronto’s western and northwestern neighborhoods. That work is still uncertain, however, given ongoing negotiations over the Ontario provincial budget. Ontario provincial officials announced Tuesday that they foresee a deficit of C$9 billion (US$7billion) for the current fiscal year and the following one as well.
TTC last week closed the bidding process for a revised 204-streetcar contract worth up to C$3 billion (US$2.3 billion); the commission expects to announce the winning bid April 27. Domestic manufacturer Bombardier Transportation and Siemens Canada, the domestic subsidiary of Munich, Germany-based Siemens AG, submitted bids.
TTC has specified that at least 25% of any new light rail vehicles must meet “Canadian content” standards.
Costs to establish all seven TTC light rail lines, dubbed the Transit City LRT project and covering 76 route-miles, is estimated at C$10 billion, which would include 346 low floor light railcars and five storage facilities.
