Toronto

John Tory wants earlier start to TTC Sunday subway service

Saying that a 9 a.m. start time no longer works for most Toronto residents, Mayor John Tory says he'd like to see the TTC start its subway service before 9 a.m.

TTC chair wants to freeze Metropass rates for 2016, but says cash fare increase likely

Toronto Mayor John Tory would like to see the TTC move to an earlier start time for subway service on Sundays. (Bruce Reeve/CBC)

Toronto Mayor John Tory wants the TTC to consider starting its subway service at 8 a.m. instead of 9 a.m. on Sundays.

"Vibrant and growing cities don't conform any longer to schedules that operate from Monday to Friday," Tory said at a news conference Thursday. "For a lot of people, Sunday is just another work day."

The mayor and TTC Chair Josh Colle made the request to the TTC board in a letter released Thursday.

Currently, subway service on the TTC starts at 6 a.m. from Monday to Saturday and 9 a.m. on Sundays.

The move will come at an extra cost in the TTC's budget, but Tory said it's well worth it. 

Fare increase likely

In another transit announcement Thursday, Colle said he's moving to have Metropass rates frozen for 2016.

Colle has said that increase to TTC cash fares is likely as the TTC deals with a $95 million budget shortfall.

Both initiatives need to be approved at the TTC's next budget meeting.