Toronto announces it's getting more than 1,700 new and revitalized buses
Mayor John Tory announced Monday morning the Governments of Canada and Ontario and the City of Toronto will be investing in 1,738 new and revitalized buses for the city.
The new TTC buses will resort in shorter wait times, more reliable service and increased accessibility.
This morning I joined Canada’s Infrastructure Minister @SohiAmarjeet, Ontario’s Transportation Minister @Kathryn_McGarry and TTC Chair @JoshColle for an important announcement about Toronto’s transit infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/bUA4TqAvE6
— John Tory (@JohnTory) April 23, 2018
The costs will be split, which will go towards purchasing more than 1,000 new buses and refurbishing close to 700 more buses, to enhance the city’s aging fleet as part of the TTC’s Bus Purchase and Bus Rebuild project.
Mayor Tory says the purchase of these new buses will allow the City to retire old buses earlier which increases bus route reliability.
Officials say the total investment is $934 million with the Government of Canada providing more than $442 million through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund while the City of Toronto is providing the remaining costs of $492 million.
“We are proud to support one of the largest bus purchase and rebuild projects in the City of Toronto’s history,” said the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
“As a former bus driver, I know how important it is for people to have safe, accessible, reliable buses to get to and from school, work and appointments. This bus purchase will mean better transit for people in Toronto and it is part of the government’s commitment to improve infrastructure across Canada.”
Joint funding of over $20 million for 15 new public transit projects across Ontario was also announced this moring.
These projects include cycling infrastructure improvements, new active transportation routes, and the purchase of new buses.