Ford open to provincial takeover of TTC: reports

TORONTO, Ont. – The TTC brought to you by the province of Ontario?

Mayor Rob Ford is reportedly willing to give up city control of all of part of Toronto’s network of buses, streetcars and subways.

It has its benefits for Toronto taxpayers. If the province took over the TTC, the perpetually cash-strapped transit system wouldn’t have to come directly to the city for more funding every year.

The Globe and Mail reported members of mayor Ford’s transition team and senior staff have floated the idea a number of times in meetings with the province.

The McGuinty government isn’t slamming the brakes entirely, but it does say it has no interest in exploring the idea until after the October provincial election.

If McGuinty is still premier after the next election, he may also be unwilling to assume control of a money-losing transit or make himself a target for rider anger over TTC fare increases and service problems.

The Globe reported taking over the TTC would move the province closer to its goal of a seamless GTA-wide transit system along with creating a more reliable source of TTC funding and financing for expansion.

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