Investing in the Toronto Transit Commission should be a priority for all three levels of government because maintenance is as crucial as expansion of public transit lines, the TTC's CEO said in an interview before his last day on Friday. He steps down on Aug. 30.
Leary told CBC News he has a lot of support in the organization and is not being forced out. TTC board chair Jamaal Myers, councillor for Scarborough North, confirmed Leary will receive a severance.Leary said he thinks criticisms of his leadership are due to his efforts to find efficiencies at the TTC and new ways to do business.
The TTC's 2024-2038 capital investment plan totals $47.8 billion in base capital needs over a 15-year period. Of that, $12.3 billion is funded, leaving $35.4 billion unfunded. The plan covers state of repairs needs, along with such capital projects as modernizing the subway and expanding its capacity, electrifying bus service and supporting more streetcars. It also includes purchasing more subway cars.
The Ontario government, for its part, announced under its new deal with the city of Toronto last fall that it would provide more than $750 million in funding for 55 new subway trains for the TTC's Line 2, an amount that is conditional on matching federal support. The province said it would also provide $300 million in one-time funding for subways and transit safety.
"I was hired to come in and help with that. And so, I'm very, very proud of the fact that I was able to deliver for him — the elimination of the bunching and gapping and short turns," he said.He said he is also proud of prioritizing vehicle maintenance, streetcar procurement and diversifying the TTC workforce.