Article content continued

Earlier in the day, Mr. Webster suggested transit riders in the affected area of Scarborough were actually facing seven years without any form of rapid transit, indicating the RT would remain out of service until the full Crosstown was complete by 2022. But he corrected the record later Tuesday, noting the plan was being phased in to ensure the RT could reopen by 2019.

Metrolinx disputed Mr. Webster’s contention that the overall timeline for the Crosstown would have to be extended, maintaining the $8.4-billion project was still targeted for completion by late 2020.

“We will work closely with TTC to… provide alternatives for customers who will be inconvenienced,” spokeswoman Vanessa Thomas said.

Mr. Webster called the Metrolinx schedule “very aggressive” and ultimately unrealistic.

Today, the Scarborough RT, which is fast approaching the end of its useful life, has six trains that operate every four minutes. At peak hours it moves between 4,500 and 5,000 people each hour; Mr. Webster estimated it would take about 30 buses, running more frequently, to move the same number. The TTC has budgeted for the additional buses, he said.

Councillor Chin Lee (Scarborough-Rouge River) lamented that “subway advocates” in the area pushed Mayor Rob Ford to overturn the pre-existing Transit City strategy, which would have seen a light-rail line built along Sheppard Avenue.

“It’s just be careful what you ask for and think of all the implications,” Mr. Lee said.

Also Tuesday, Councillor Peter Milczyn (Etobicoke-Lakeshore) requested a briefing note on the possibility of implementing a multi-year fare and subsidy strategy for the TTC, which could include such measures as guaranteeing a 10¢ fare hike each year for three years “so there’s no surprises for the TTC.”

“The point is giving the TTC certainty for three years as opposed to… lurching from year to year,” he said.

National Post

• Email: motoole@nationalpost.com | Twitter: megan_otoole