EXCELLENCE THROUGH COOPERATION

Toronto Transit Commission reflects the commitment of the metropolitan area's citizens. TTC's pioneer subway of 1954 started a reversal of the downward ridership trend on the bus/streetcar system and led to a major expansion of rapid transit service. By 1970, despite cost containment and growing ridership, TTC applied to Metro Toronto for financial assistance. With some subsidies, TTC now markets its 778-route-mile system extensively and assures integration of buses and streetcars with rapid transit. An elaborate computer system regulates operations and maintenance, as well as being the basis for a passenger information system. Soon to open is the Scarborough route using Canadian-developed Advanced Light Rapid Transit technology. TTC recovers 68 percent of its operating costs from the farebox and has the highest per capita ridership in North America. Ridership is expected to top 420 million this year. Beyond the immediate metropolitan area, the Province of Ontario is heavily committed to providing bus and commuter rail service through its GO (Government of Ontario) operations.