Toronto to spend a combined $135 million on new island ferries and other upgrades

Toronto's leadership is finally moving ahead with solutions to the hours-long waits and overcrowding that anyone hoping to catch a ferry to the city's islands inevitably has to face any given summer weekend.

On Thursday, council committed to the $92 million spend for two new electric vessels, which will be more efficient than our current fleet that includes ferries as old as, shockingly, 114.

Along with being more eco-friendly, requiring fewer and less costly repairs, having more amenities and being generally far more modern and attractive, the boats will also increase the city's overall ferry capacity by more than 1,400 people per trip between the two of them.

Lineups for the ferry from the Toronto Islands are already packed and chaotic - blogTO https://t.co/ugfoPed5JP #Toronto #Transit #TTC #GoTransit #GoTrain #GoBus #Transportation #TorontoNews

— MyTransit Toronto (@MyTransit_TO) May 29, 2024

As yesterday's report for action states, "the vessels in the existing fleet are over 60 years old. As the vessels age, the risk of substantial repair costs and service interruptions continues to increase. The existing ferry fleet has incurred costly emergency repairs and service disruptions in recent years, with over $5.5 million spent on emergency repairs in 2023."

"It is anticipated that these vessels will deliver notable service and operational benefits in addition to reducing the risk of costly emergency repairs, cost and usage of fuel and greenhouse gas emissions from the current diesel-powered fleet."

Unfortunately, passengers will have to wait more than two years to ride the new watercraft — with the first coming in fall 2026 — though some temporary relief vessels to help with the crowds may be on the way far sooner.

Council votes 20-2 to APPROVE moving forward with purchase of two new electric ferries for about $92 million. First delivery due in fall 2026. pic.twitter.com/AIKNhOBrWt

— Matt Elliott (@GraphicMatt) July 25, 2024

Along with the price tag of the new vessels themselves, there will be an additional $42.5 million in spending necessary to revamp the ferry docks to charge and accommodate their larger size. Still, this is a one-time investment for a switch that will reduce annual repair costs and headaches while also "significantly improving service reliability."

As many will remember from last month, some of our boats have already had to be taken out of commission this season, leading to even worse lineups, congestion and complaints.