Toronto Mayor Promises Ttc Fare Freeze

"While the inflationary pressures on the TTC are significant, Torontonians are also feeling the pressure of a weakening economy," Miller said. "To help people keep working, I will be recommending a TTC fare freeze as part of the 2009 operating budget."

And council passed a $1.6 billion 2009 capital budget yesterday, part of a 10-year, $25.9 billion capital plan that focuses on spending on public transit infrastructure as the city's own economic stimulus package.

He touted the city's plan to create and protect 35,000 jobs next year through capital spending on road repairs, bridge construction and new bike lanes. As well, the city plans to buy 360 new subway cars, 130 new buses and possibly more streetcars, if Ottawa agrees to kick in cash.