Editorial
TTC Board Highlights
Phased opening on Line 5 starts February 8
The TTC Board received an update presentation on the Line 5 Eglinton LRT by TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali indicating that a phased opening of the LRT will begin on Sunday, February 8, 2026, including changes to 19 bus routes. Celebrations to follow this spring.
During the introductory service phase, Line 5 service will operate from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday, arriving approximately every four minutes during the busiest periods, and every six-to-eight minutes at other times. From 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., Line 5 shuttle buses will operate every 10 minutes, serving on-street LRT stops long the Eglinton corridor. The TTC’s Blue Night Network will operate from 1 a.m. until the scheduled start of daily train service. On February 8, service on Line 5 will be free of charge. The first westbound trains will depart Kennedy Station starting at 7:30 a.m., and the first eastbound services from Mount Dennis Station from 7:37 a.m. There will not be a grand opening event.
SRT Busway Acceleration Plan
Commissioners approved an update report on the SRT Busway acceleration plan that targets the start of revenue service on the busway by September 30, 2026. The report provides the details of the acceleration plan to advance the start of revenue from spring 2027. The plan includes the following measures by the contractor to meet the earlier revenue service date:
• Winter and nighttime works and extended shift hours.
• Additional supervisory resources.
• Additional traffic control component.
• Additional mechanical support and logistics staff.
• Additional subcontractors and suppliers.
The total project budget for the SRT Bus Replacement Infrastructure project is $93.8 million.
Revitalizing TTC Branded Merchandise: Progress, Insights, and Strategic Direction
Board members approved a report outlining the strategic direction for TTC merchandise and licensing that includes: Online Store Promotions and Enhancements, Vending Solutions, Retail Store Collaborations, and Brand Licensing Partnerships.
In 2025, the TTC made significant progress in revitalizing its TTC‑branded merchandise program through a renewed strategic focus. Key initiatives included strengthening business practices, introducing new and refreshed merchandise, delivering pop‑up retail activations, piloting partner collaborations, and exploring opportunities for continued program expansion.
At its meeting on June 23, 2025, the TTC Board directed staff to assess the feasibility of establishing a standalone TTC brick‑and‑mortar retail store at Davisville Station or another suitable location.
Presentation: TTC FIFA World Cup Planning
TTC staff provided a progress report on FIFA World Cup planning to increase service levels and organizational readiness. The TTC strategy to support the FIFA World Cup in Toronto includes:
• Co-ordination with internal and external stakeholders for clear communication, seamless co-ordination and safety.
• Scheduling increased service on key streetcar corridors and bus routes in downtown core with additional service on FIFA Fan Festival and match days.
• Executing reliability and readiness plans to ensure assets and people are ready and available to provide excellent service.
• Providing an excellent customer experience with tailored communications, additional customer service staff and enhanced wayfinding.
• Ensuring existing service continues to meet day-to-day travel needs for our customers and the rest of Toronto.
Chief Executive Officer Performance and Objectives
Commissioners received a confidential update with respect to the performance and objectives for the TTC Chief Executive Officer. The People, Culture and Governance Committee, on an annual basis, establishes clear performance objectives for the CEO, reviews the CEO’s annual performance objectives and recommend the objectives to the TTC Board for approval and completes the annual performance evaluation of the CEO as required by the CEO’s employment contract, providing feedback and recommendations for improvement, and reporting results to the TTC Board.
Fare Collection Update
Commissioners approved a confidential update report on the status of the TTC-Metrolinx Master E-Fare Collection Outsourcing Agreement. The Agreement has an initial term of 15 years, which expires on November 28, 2027, subject to various terms and conditions relating to renewal options as set out in the Agreement.
Next meeting of the TTC Board
The next regular scheduled TTC Board Meeting will be on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
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