Metrolinx Board Meeting – June 2017

The Metrolinx Board of Directors met today to receive a number of reports, including updates on PRESTO, Metrolinx’s capital projects and GO service expansion.

PRESTO Update

PRESTO Executive Vice President Rob Hollis reported on the PRESTO retail partnership with Loblaw, which entails Shoppers Drug Mart locations across Toronto selling PRESTO cards and offering PRESTO services. Over 3,300 PRESTO cards have been sold, and more than $175,000 loaded to date as part of this partnership.

He also provided updates on how Metrolinx is protecting customer privacy, PRESTO upgrade plans, and TTC rollout plans for 2017.

View the PRESTO Progress Update

Capital Projects Group Update

Vice President Rapid Transit, Gerry Chaput, delivered an update on how we are moving forward with our Rapid Transit (RT) and Regional Express Rail (RER) programs.

Gerry noted that CPG continues to advance the RT and RER programs through:

Partnerships and collaboration with municipalities to achieve shared program goals
- First RER Municipal Network session held June 26, 2017 in Toronto
Ongoing construction on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT
The decision of Hamilton City Council to move forward with the Hamilton LRT project
The engagement of Alstom as an alternative light rail vehicle provider
Selection of the 3 proponents to receive the RFP for the Hurontario LRT project which will be released this summer
Initiation of early construction of several projects in the RER program
Progress on a number environmental assessments and procurements that advance the RER program.

His presentation also covered extensions and major work updates related to RER, as well as an update on electrification options.

View the report

GO Transit Service Expansion

Further to the update on RER expansion, Chief Planning Officer Leslie Woo reported on the progress to expand service on all GO rail lines, as well as enhancements made to GO bus service.

View the Planned Transit Service Expansion Report

Relief Line and Yonge Subway Extension

Chief Planning Officer Leslie Woo spoke to the collaborative effort by Metrolinx and ourstakeholders to advance both the Relief Line and Yonge Subway Extension. This includes finalizing MOUs and the continuation of a Modelling Working Group to coordinate ridership.

View the Relief Line and Yonge Subway Extension Report

Proposed Fare Increase

Chief Financial Officer Robert Siddall and Chief Customer & Marketing Officer Anita Sultmanis presented a proposed fare increase to the Board.

To meet the needs of our growing customer base, expand services and ensure the financial sustainability of the corporation, the Board approved an increase of 3% for single-ticket adult fares greater than $5.65.

View the Proposed Fare Changes memo

Auditor General Report Action Plan

Chief Financial Officer Robert Siddall spoke to the Board about the strategies Metrolinx has been working on to mitigate the risks identified in the 2016 Auditor General’s report.

View the Auditor General Report Follow-up

Customer Experience Committee Update

Marianne McKenna, Chair of Metrolinx’s Customer Experience Committee, reviewed recent items of discussion for the Committee, such as:

How to encourage people to choose GO by removing perceived barriers
Real-time next bus services and improved service communications
Rail safety: platform crowding, Rail Safety Week
PRESTO device reliability at 99%
The wayfinding pilot at the Finch, Hamilton and Pickering GO Stations

View the full Customer Experience Committee Chair Report

Mississauga Transitway Renforth Naming

Chief Planning Officer Leslie Woo received approval for a name change to the eastern terminus station of the Mississauga Transitway. Previously named ‘Renforth Gateway,’ the station will now be named ‘Renforth.’

View the Mississauga Transit Renforth Naming Report

Appointment of Officers

The Board accepted the appointment of executive officers at Metrolinx. Anita Sultmanis is the new Chief Customer & Marketing Officer, and Peter Zuk is the new Chief Capital Officer.

View the Appointment of Officers Memo