Mayoral Candidates Clash Over TTC Affordability Plans
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
As Toronto voters prepare for the municipal election, leading candidates propose divergent strategies to handle transit costs and a projected $390 million operational shortfall.
With the municipal election less than a month away, Toronto's top mayoral candidates have unveiled competing visions for the TTC's fare structure and financial stability, according to CBC Toronto.
Mayor Olivia Chow has committed to freezing TTC fares again in 2027, which would be the fourth consecutive freeze. Chow is also proposing a reduction in the weekly fare cap to 10 rides, meaning any trips beyond that limit in a single week would be free. Her campaign notes that reducing the monthly cap to 40 rides is already reflected in the city's 2026 budget.
Candidate Brad Bradford has stated he will not make fare decisions until he completes an independent, line-by-line audit of all TTC and city spending. Bradford is also proposing a 15-minute service guarantee, promising riders a refund if their vehicle does not arrive within that timeframe.
Meanwhile, Chris Alexander is focusing on the TTC's projected 2027 operational shortfall of $390 million. Alexander proposes increasing adult PRESTO fares from $3.30 to $3.40 per trip and adding a 10-cent rush hour surcharge, while simultaneously reducing costs for students, seniors, and low-income riders. Alexander's campaign projects that these adjustments would bring in $43 million in new revenue. Additionally, Alexander plans to crack down on fare evasion, which he estimates would recover another $57 million in lost revenue for 2027.