Item - 2026.TTS4.2

The Strategic Planning Committee:

1. Directed staff to prioritize ridership growth initiatives that leverage existing resources and service when developing the 2027 budget. 

2. Sent the report back to staff for further work and consideration, such work and consideration to include:

1. stakeholder consultation and expert input into its plan;
2. an articulation of a ridership growth vision and a high level statement on what the TTC is seeking to address in terms of increasing mobility in Toronto; 
3. an analyses of the mobility context modal share review and new trends in employment, leisure and development pressures;
4. a review of the opportunities that exist in this context that can increase modal share and ridership growth, including new fare products, review of TTC service standards, new ideas that trend towards higher gain with lower costs; and
5. possible cost and strategies to fund a Ridership Growth Strategy, such strategies to be developed in consultation with the City.

3. Requested staff to report back to the TTC by Q1 2027 with specific options and recommendations for the Board's consideration. 

4. As part of the City-TTC MOU outlining roles and responsibilities, include an overview of the roles of partners required for the execution of ridership growth initiatives, along with their respective accountabilities.

5. Directed TTC staff to work with the City of Toronto to establish city-wide long-term mode share objectives, that includes all modes along with transit ridership growth targets.

6. Directed TTC staff to develop a long-term strategy document that integrates the Ridership Growth Strategy, Long-Term Financial Plan, and other relevant strategic and policy documents that will serve as the integrating and guiding framework for transit capital, service, and policy directions.

Josh Colle, Chief Strategy and Customer Experience Officer and Stephanie Simard Craig, Acting Head – Strategy & Foresight, delivered a presentation on this item.

This report presents the 2026-2028 Ridership Growth Strategy (RGS) summarizing key trends, strategic challenges, and recommended actions to grow ridership in Toronto over the next three years in a prioritized manner. It provides a consolidated blueprint that builds upon extensive research, consultation, and previous TTC strategies to guide near and midterm decision-making.