Item - 2026.TTC14.18

The TTC Board, on April 16, 2026, adopted the following:

That the TTC Board:

1. Endorse the following key principles to guide TTC staff participation in consultations with the Province of Ontario on the province’s regulatory framework under the Fare Alignment and Seamless Transit Act, 2026:

a. Local authority to develop local solutions to transportation needs – Preserve the autonomy of local transit systems to introduce fare and service policies that meet the needs of local communities and riders, keep transit affordable, and treat all Toronto residents equitably as a key component of the City’s approach to local transportation and congestion management.

b. Protect local transit service quality – Preserve service quality and standards relied upon by our customers – proposals must not negatively impact the experience of most customers who travel within the City of Toronto in efforts to improve cross-boundary travel for the 18% who currently make a connecting trip to GO or a 905-transit system.

c. No unfunded provincial mandates – Provincial decisions to set fares and/or service be matched with full funding (operating and capital) by the Province of Ontario.

d. Value for money – where provincial directives require the use of specific fare payment systems, unified booking systems, or other changes that have a financial impact to the TTC, there must be clear demonstration that the systems offer value for money, respect Toronto taxpayers, and are efficiently and effectively delivered.

e. Respect local transit system expertise and planning process – Consultation that respects the expertise and planning processes of local transit systems, customers and its employees, during both the development of the regulatory framework and when decisions are made using the regulations enacted under the Act.

f. Good governance – ensure opportunities for local transit systems, communities, and labour partners to have voice in decision making supported by a sustainable provincial funding model for public transit.

2. Request the Ontario Minister of Transportation provide an opportunity for public feedback on any regulatory framework or regulations proposed under Bill 98, Schedule 4, the Fare Alignment and Seamless Transit Act, 2026.

3. Request TTC staff to support public advocacy efforts by transit riders and other stakeholders to advance the principles outlined in Recommendation 1.

The TTC’s mission is to “serve the needs of transit riders by providing a safe, reliable, efficient and accessible mass public transit service through a seamless integrated network to create access to opportunity for everyone.” The TTC’s role providing transit that keeps Toronto moving is integral to our city’s economy and the lives of people who rely on the TTC to get around.

The ability for the TTC to make decisions about service and fares are fundamental to our ability to deliver transit services that meet the needs of Torontonians and our city’s goals for transportation, congestion, and climate outcomes. These decisions are made by the TTC’s Board through the Annual Network Plan, Operating & Capital Budgets, and other plans and strategies, which are informed by community input and considered at public meetings. Bill 98, Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026 proposes substantial power to the Minister of Transportation to introduce directives via regulation that would impact the TTC’s authority in these areas.

As a partner in the One Fare program and operator of cross-boundary service on Line 1 into York Region, the TTC has worked to contribute to a regional transportation network that serves people from across Ontario. These partnerships have been the result of collaboration across agencies and levels of government, and serve as a reminder of how we can work together to continue advancing stronger public transit in Ontario, together. If Bill 98 is adopted, regulations made under the Fare Alignment and Seamless Transit Act, 2026 (Schedule 4 of Bill 98) should be informed by the needs of local communities and continue that history of collaboration and mutual agreement.

As more information is made available on the proposed application of the legislation through discussions with the Province of Ontario, the TTC should be guided by the following key principles outlined in recommendation 1. In addition, the Ministry should ensure that all regulations are open to public feedback.