After weeks of behind the scenes wrangling, Metrolinx and the Toronto Transit Commission have come to an agreement for the TTC to operate the city’s new provincially owned LRT routes.

TTC chair Karen Stintz, CEO Andy Byford and Ontario Transportation Minister Bob Chiarelli made the announcement Wednesday morning following earlier news that Metrolinx would be seeking a private operator.

“We have always contemplated the TTC to be involved in operation,” said Chiarelli. “Metrolinx and the TTC will be joined at the hip.”

In early September, Metrolinx warned the TTC it would be pursuing an alternative financing and procurement model for the provincially funded projects, including a private partner for the operation and maintenance of the Eglinton, Sheppard and Finch LRTs.

The announcement that the publicly funded projects, financed by $8.4 billion from the province, would be turned over to private operators sparked a scramble to get a deal between Metrolinx and the TTC.

“When you’re transforming transit it doesn’t come without a few bumps in the road,” said Stintz, who criticized the move that would have cut the TTC out of Toronto transit for the first time in nearly 100 years.

The TTC will now be responsible for vehicle operation, ticket staff, and safety and enforcement for the new LRT lines slated to open in nine years.

Stintz said this clears any confusion for riders about having to pay more than one fare.

Byford added he’s been working tirelessly, “burning the midnight oil,” to reach an agreement with Metrolix and called the announcement “a huge day for the TTC.”

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