TTC Seeks $1.5B to Boost Ridership in Post-Pandemic Toronto

TTC Chair Jamaal Myers calls for an 'aggressive plan' to win back riders as ridership lags despite return-to-office policies

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:58am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a sleek, modern Presto card reader and a subway token, both made from polished metal and glass, arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic grey background. The objects are lit dramatically with sharp shadows, conceptually representing the challenges the TTC faces in adapting to changing commuter patterns.As the TTC seeks major funding to boost ridership, its fare technology and iconic tokens symbolize the agency's struggle to stay relevant in a post-pandemic world.Charlotte Today

Toronto's public transit system, the TTC, is at a crossroads as it seeks a staggering $1.5 billion in funding from the city. TTC Chair Jamaal Myers is urging the transit service to rethink its approach, arguing that the current financial trajectory and modest ridership growth projections are unacceptable. Despite stricter return-to-office policies, TTC ridership has actually declined this past fall, leading Myers to conclude that the agency must adapt to the new reality of remote work.

Why it matters

The TTC's struggle to win back riders in a post-pandemic world raises questions about the future of public transit in Toronto. As the city grapples with broader societal changes in commuting patterns, the TTC must find innovative ways to appeal to riders and justify its $1.5 billion funding request. The outcome of this debate could have significant implications for the accessibility and sustainability of Toronto's transit system.

The details

The TTC's proposed $1.481 billion budget, a 6.8% increase from last year, includes a fare freeze for the third consecutive year and the introduction of a new fare cap system that allows riders to travel for free after tapping their Presto or debit card 47 times in a month. However, despite these rider-friendly measures, customer satisfaction has dipped to just 66% and ridership is still lagging. Myers argues that the TTC can't operate under the assumption that everyone will return to the office, and the agency must develop an 'aggressive plan to expand ridership' to stay relevant.

  • The TTC's budget meeting is scheduled for later this year, where Myers promises to present a revised growth strategy.
  • The new fare cap system is set to be introduced in September 2026.

The players

Jamaal Myers

The chair of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), who is calling for the agency to rethink its approach to boosting ridership in a post-pandemic world.

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What they’re saying

“'We can't operate under the assumption that everyone's in the office anymore.'”

— Jamaal Myers, TTC Chair

“'That's not something the board is happy with.'”

— Jamaal Myers, TTC Chair

What’s next

The TTC's revised growth strategy is expected to be presented later this year, which will outline the agency's plan to adapt to the changing commuting patterns and win back riders.

The takeaway

The TTC's struggle to boost ridership in a post-pandemic world highlights the need for public transit agencies to be nimble and responsive to evolving societal trends. As remote work becomes more prevalent, the TTC must find innovative ways to appeal to riders and justify its substantial funding request, which could have significant implications for the accessibility and sustainability of Toronto's transit system.