TTC to hike parking costs for commuters

Transitgoers who drive and park at their local TTC station before hopping on Toronto's subway network could soon be paying a few dollars more each day as the commission looks to cover increased costs of operating the sites.

A new proposal outlines how, as soon as July, the rate to park at subway stations like Wilson, Finch, Keele and Kipling could rise by up to $3 daily, for a daily rate of as much as $8, for the thousands of drivers who use them.

It's part of the agency's ongoing strategy to try and generate more revenue outside of fares, and will be focused on the busiest parkades.

"Overall, TTC commuter parking lots have been operating at a financial loss over the past several years. According to utilization data, direct revenue generated from parking rates does not cover the expenses for maintenance, snow clearing and leases," states the proposal that includes the fee hike, which is heading to the TTC Board next week.

"Additionally, only 2 per cent of TTC customers accessing the subway park in a TTC parking lot, meaning that fares of non-drivers and City subsidies are being used to make up for the lost revenue required to maintain and lease these parking lots."

Also to be considered is the fact that of the TTC's 23 existing lots, five are set to be redeveloped into housing (plus two that have already closed), while another three are temporarily or permanently closed for conversion to alternative uses, or for other construction.

The following day rate price adjustments are being recommended for the following lots:

• Finch Station East Side (1,653 spots) — from the current $5.00 to $6.25
• Finch Station West Side (1,552 spots) — from $5.00 to $8.00
• Kipling North (283 spots) — from $7.00 to $8.00
• Kipling South (829 spots) — from $6.00 to $8.00
• Islington Fieldway (217 spots) — from $5.00 to $6.25 
• Highway 407 (589 spots) — from $7.00 to $8.00
• Wilson Transit Rd (69 spots) — from $5.00 to $8.00
• Keele (162 spots) — from $5.00 to $8.00
• Leslie (101 spots) — from $7.00 to $8.00
• Islington Main (260 spots) — from $6.00 to $8.00

All other usable lots will maintain current prices, which range from $3 per day (at Lawrence East and Ellesmere) to $8 per day (Islington Lomond).

The motion also suggests reducing the size of the Finch West and Pioneer Village parking areas, and re-evaluating the Wilson, Keele, Leslie and Kennedy lots for other uses, along with the Lawrence East and Ellesmere lots once the Line 3 Busway opens.

One lot, at Victoria Park Station, is set to close for good on June 3 of this year, while the contract for TTC parking at Yorkdale expires in 2026.

The TTC Board will assess and deliberate on the full report and its suggested changes at its meeting on May 14.