The TTC has dotted the i’s on its agreement to build and operate a 6.8-kilometre extension of the Yonge subway to Richmond Hill, sending it on to city council for approval next week.
After that, the plan moves to the Ministry of the Environment.
The city’s executive committee has already placed conditions on the TTC’s participation in the $2.4-billion project, which York Region has strongly promoted. Before it’s built, Toronto wants its Transit City light rail lines funded, more platform capacity built at the Bloor-Yonge station, and a new signalling system in place to improve train frequency and ease congestion.
Nevertheless, the TTC’s vice-chair objected to the subway plan at yesterday’s commission meeting. “If you had $2.4 billion, is this the best way to spend public money at this point in our history?” asked Coun. Joe Mihevc.
“We need to be more complex in our thinking. That’s why we’re heading down the road to light rail transit.”
