Toronto's ambitious public works/transit agenda

[marmar]

from the Toronto Star, via MassTransitMag:


Toronto Unveils Ambitious Works Agenda


Paul Moloney and Jim Byers, The Toronto Star



$1.53 billion blueprint The good news is that the city's capital budget is finally about to make a dent in Toronto's road repairs backlog. The bad news is that means more orange construction cones and longer delays for drivers.

City officials yesterday unveiled a $1.53 billion capital budget for next year that sets aside money for everything from TTC improvements to repairs at the city's homes for the aged, and small spending increases for everything from trees to shelter beds.

Chief financial officer Joe Pennachetti said the overwhelming theme is repairing the city's aging infrastructure. And that means road repairs that are necessary but often aggravating for motorists.

"My advice would be 'Buy a TTC pass,'" said Gary Welsh, general manager of transportation services. Welsh said repairs will be made to 16 bridges and maintenance done on 125 kilometres of road, including Bathurst St. near Lawrence and Dufferin St. near Queen.

The capital budget, to be approved in early December, proposes to spend $1.53 billion in 2008, about the same as this year's.

The city's outstanding debt will climb to $2.6 billion by the end of next year, up from $2.4 billion. By the end of 2012, debt would be about $3 billion; somewhat lower if council agrees to increase its cash contributions to capital projects.

Of the total 2008 spending, roughly one-third would come from borrowing; one-third from taxes and other revenues. The final third would come from the federal and provincial governments, mostly as transit funding.

Budget chief Shelley Carroll said long-term transit commitments from Queen's Park and Ottawa are seriously overdue.

The TTC takes up 46 per cent of the 2008 capital budget. It has to replace aging streetcars, buses and subway cars. Some $79.4 million will be spent on 234 subway cars to replace aging ones and boost capacity. A further $175.5 million will pay for 193 conventional and 50 Wheel-Trans buses and $55 million to start buying 204 low-floor, accessible Light Rail Vehicles to replace existing streetcars. Also, $54.8 million will be spent to improve train control and signals on the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line. ......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.masstransitmag.com/online/article.jsp?siteSection=3&id=4672