“Public transit is the lifeblood of a modern city,” said Mayor Miller. “By investing more than $7 billion in Transit City light rail projects in Toronto, we are working together to  stimulate the economy and create green jobs, protect the environment and bring fast, reliable transit to areas of the city that have been underserved for decades.

“In 2006 I promised Torontonians I would bring light rail transit to all parts of this city. Today, just two short years later, the city and province are working together to do just that.”

Announced in early 2007, Toronto’s Transit City plan envisions building seven lines and 122km of light rail transit (LRT) across Toronto to revitalize neighbourhoods, spur economic growth, and improve air quality by enhancing public transit across Toronto.

Today’s announcement funds three significant components of the plan:

• The $4.6 billion Eglinton line will run 31 kilometres from Kennedy Station to Pearson Airport and will include a 13 kilometre section built underground.

• The $1.2 billion Finch West line will extend from Yonge Street west to Humber College and east to Don Mills Subway Station. Construction is expected to start in 2010 with completion by 2013.

• The $1.4 billion Scarborough RT rehabilitation and extension is expected to be completed and in service by 2015.

Mayor Miller noted that Transit City is a shared vision for public transit in Toronto between the City, the TTC and Metrolinx that the Provincial government included in its MoveOntario 2020 plan.

“Throughout this process the TTC and City Council have shown great leadership by supporting the complex planning and design process and providing the money to keep that process moving forward,” said the Mayor. “This plan has always been our top priority for infrastructure and economic stimulus. I’d also like to acknowledge the Board of Metrolinx which worked very well together to connect Transit City into a regional plan in this very short period of time.

The Mayor pledged the City, TTC, Metrolinx and the Province will continue to work together on the plan as it continues to roll out over the coming months to get shovels in the ground as soon as possible.

For more on Toronto’s Transit City plan, visit www.transitcity.ca

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For more information:

Stuart Green, Office of Mayor Miller, 416-338-7119