Metrolinx pitches second wave of 'Big Move' projects

A pair of new Toronto subway lines will be part of the next wave of public transportation projects that Metrolinx intends to pursue in the years ahead.

On Thursday, Metrolinx president and CEO Bruce McCuaig outlined the proposed projects for the second wave of the so-called Big Move — the regional transportation plan for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area.

The proposed $34-billion list of projects includes a downtown relief line that would relieve pressure on Toronto’s subway system, as well as an extension of the Yonge Street line up to Richmond Hill.

Metrolinx also wants to invest in light-rail transit projects in Brampton, Mississauga and Hamilton, as well as rapid bus transit in Peel, Durham and Halton regions and in Toronto.

Improvements to the GO Transit rail network would also be part of the proposed projects, as well as "resources for local transit, roads, active transportation and other strategic transportation initiatives."

McCuaig said that with the plan in place, "it's now time for the big conversation about the best ways to pay for this $34 billion investment."

The public will have an opportunity to comment on the next phase of the Big Move plan next Wednesday, when details of the proposed projects are published on the Metrolinx website.

Some $16 billion have been invested in transportation projects as part of the first wave of the Big Move, according to Metrolinx.