New service cuts along TTC bus and streetcar routes are to take effect this week as the Toronto Transit Commission works to meet its reduced operating budget.

Off-peak service on more than 35 routes was reduced as of Sunday, while the TTC says 52 bus routes across the city saw frequency levels pared back during peak periods starting last month.

The TTC calls service reductions preferable to outright eliminations of routes and cuts to hours of operations as it struggles to meet Mayor Rob Ford’s target for a 10 per cent cut in municipal department budgets this year.

As of Monday service will be less frequent for riders who rely on routes including 35 Jane, 6 Bay, 105 Dufferin North, 89 Weston and the 95 York Mills buses.

Service increases are to begin this week on 21 bus and streetcar routes, including greater frequency along the busy 300 Bloor—Danforth overnight route.