Fare Freeze: Relief or Just a Placeholder?

The TTC has announced a fare freeze for the second consecutive year in its 2025 budget. As someone who isn’t a daily transit user, I think this is a good thing—it’s certainly better than an increase—but I’d defer to regular riders to weigh in on whether the fares are truly reasonable. Still, a freeze is a freeze, and for many, that’s a win.

Line 5: Finally Coming Online?

Let me be blunt—it’s hilarious that we’re still talking about Line 5, the Eglinton Crosstown. It’s been sitting idle for years, five years past its original completion date. Don’t get me started on the budget (if you want to go down that rabbit hole, here’s a post where I’ve discussed this before).

But let’s focus on the positive. Finally, opening Line 5 will undoubtedly benefit the people who’ve been suffering through endless construction. Businesses have gone bankrupt, family finances have been ruined, and there’s really no recourse for those affected. The least we can do is get this line up and running and inject some life back into the areas that Metrolinx’s mismanagement has decimated.

Fare Compliance: A Question of Priorities

The TTC is allocating $12 million to fare compliance in 2025, with the goal of recovering the same amount in lost revenue. I go back and forth on this. Spending $12 million to recover $12 million feels like a zero-sum game. Is it really worth the effort? I guess time will tell. Personally, I wonder if there are more impactful ways to allocate these funds.

Capital Projects and the $17.95 Billion Funding Gap

The TTC has laid out an ambitious $16.395 billion capital budget for 2025–2034. Key initiatives include replacing Line 2 subway trains, purchasing 700 electric buses, and making 15 subway stations accessible. But here’s the kicker—a funding gap of nearly $18 billion looms over these plans.

Where is this money going to come from? Could the private sector be tapped? I think there’s potential for the TTC to partner with technology providers to bring Wi-Fi and 5G connectivity to previously dark zones. It’s a win-win: improved service for riders and new revenue streams for the TTC. Beyond that, let’s hope for stronger commitments from provincial and federal governments.

Transit’s Impact on Real Estate

It’s no secret that proximity to reliable transit boosts property values. That’s why the ongoing delays with Line 5 are so frustrating. The latest promise is that it’ll open by June, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. Still, savvy buyers and investors are eyeing areas near these expanding transit lines. The long-term value is undeniable, and real estate near these hubs will remain a hot commodity.

Public Sentiment: A Mix of Hope and Skepticism

Public sentiment is always an interesting beast. It’s often driven more by emotions than reality. Concerns about the sustainability of the TTC’s plans are valid, especially with costs like the $401 million needed to make 15 subway stations accessible. Sure, that’s a lot of money, but when you factor in things like elevators and underground construction, it starts to make sense. Let’s face it—Toronto never does things on a budget. Contractors seem to love our deep pockets.

Leadership and the Bigger Picture

Olivia Chow has been a strong supporter of the fare freeze, and I appreciate her leadership. That said, the real funding battles will be fought at the provincial and federal levels. This is where we need bigger players to step up and ensure Toronto’s transit vision becomes a reality.

What’s Your Take?

What transit improvements matter most to you?