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Will Ford take over the TTC?

Written by John Thompson, Canadian Contributing Editor
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Photo by Laura Pedersen/National Post.

The Ontario Provincial Government—now run by Premier Doug Ford, brother of the late Rob Ford, Toronto’s scandal-plagued former mayor— is planning to take over Toronto’s subway and Scarborough Rapid Transit system, currently owned and operated by the Toronto Transit Commission, totaling 48 route-miles.

A special advisor has been appointed to develop an approach for the takeover. This person will work with an advisory panel of up to three “experts” to draw up recommendations concerning the construction of new subway lines, and maintenance of existing operations.

The provincial government, which has jurisdiction over Metrolinx, the provincial public transportation agency that’s currently managing and financing billions in light rail and regional/commuter rail projects, said that implementing a change of this nature would produce a more efficient regional transportation system, reduce costs, and allow rapid transit lines to be built at a faster pace.

Premier Ford promised during the recent spring election campaign that his government would create a regional transportation system. He said that transferring Toronto’s rapid transit system to the province would benefit the city. The TTC will continue to operate the system, and retain any revenues.

The takeover proposal is likely to be strongly resisted by the Toronto City Council, which harbors a strong dislike and distrust of the Ford regime.

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