April 1, 2009
The Ontario government will proceed with the Finch Light Rail Transit (LRT) project to improve public transportation, generate jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and congestion.
The Finch LRT will extend from Yonge Street, west to Humber College and east to Don Mills subway station. Commuters will have better connections to the Yonge, Spadina and Sheppard Subway lines, and the proposed Sheppard Avenue East LRT.
The Finch project is part of the Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan’s top 15 transit priorities. Subject to environmental approval, construction is expected to start in 2010 with completion by 2013.
QUOTES
“Today’s announcement means that commuters will have access to better transit and shorter commute times. Ontario is also setting new standards for protecting the environment by tackling congestion.”
– Shafiq Qaadri, MPP, Etobicoke North
“This government is making record investments in transit. Today’s announcement, to move forward with the Finch LRT, is welcome news for commuters living and working in the area.”
– David Zimmer, MPP, Willowdale
“Proceeding with this much needed transit line represents the ongoing commitment by the McGuinty government to fast and efficient transit throughout Ontario. This particular project will significantly ease traffic congestion for commuters within the City of Toronto.”
- Mario Sergio, MPP, York West
“This initiative is just one further example of the McGuinty government’s commitment to making public transit more accessible to our GTA commuters.”
- Monte Kwinter, MPP, York Centre
"I know this new LRT will make a huge difference to the people living in my community, whether they're commuting home in time to watch a daughter's soccer game or looking for a better way to make a doctor's appointment."
- David Caplan, MPP, Don Valley East
“We are moving quickly to build better public transit for commuters. Our investments in transit will generate jobs, stimulate the economy and improve the air we breathe. ”
– Jim Bradley, Minister of Transportation
QUICK FACTS
·The Spring 2009 Budget allocated $9 billion for transportation projects.
§Construction of the Finch LRT will create about 12,000 jobs.
§Since 2003, the McGuinty government has invested $7.4 billion in public transit, including over $2.5 billion in GO Transit. Since 2003, Toronto has received $2.9 billion in transit capital and operating funding.
LEARN MORE
Learn more about how the Ontario government is investing in infrastructure as part of a five-point plan for the economy.
Read about Metrolinx’s Regional Transportation Plan
Contacts:
David Shory
Office of Shafiq Qaadri, MPP
(416) 325 6679
Brianna Ames
Office of David Zimmer, MPP
(416) 325 5126
Mercedes Zanon
Office of Mario Sergio, MPP
(416) 585 7006
Pina Conicella
Office of Monte Kwinter, MPP
(416) 325 0036
Lori Janbazian
Office of David Caplan, MPP
(416) 494 6856