The TTC might be set to get some major help from the Ontario Government. The province hasn't helped to fund the operating costs of the Commission since Mike Harris scrapped funding in the 1990s, but the Globe and Mail reports that Kathleen Wynne's Liberals are considering a major policy change that would see TTC costs split between Toronto and Ontario.

"TTC CEO Andy Byford said he and his staff met with senior provincial bureaucrats to discuss restoring operational funding about eight weeks ago and left feeling 'positively optimistic,'" the paper reports. The topic has also been discussed with mayor-elect John Tory, who would look like an absolute hero if something like this came together. As to what a possible cost-sharing model would look like, it's too early to tell, but it wouldn't be 50-50 given the province's deficit.

Still, at this point, any kick-in from the province would be big news. The TTC is already one of the most expensive transit systems in North America to ride, and will become increasingly more so in the absence of funding from upper levels of government.

Photo by Tom Ryaboi