Ryan Bird's report on the TTC cutting free parking for Metropass holders

TTC Metropass holders may lose a major incentive.

Listen to Ryan Bird's report

Transit commissioners will be voting Wednesday on a recommendation to eliminate free parking for Metropass holders who use the TTC's parking lots. If the incentive ends Metropass holders would have to pay the same daily rates as other drivers do, anywhere from the $2 charged at the Lawrence Avenue East R.T. station to the $6 charged at the Finch Avenue subway station lot.

The move, which could be implemented in about six months, would hit more than 10,000 drivers who use the TTC's 16 parking lots. Almost half of the lot users come from outside the city of Toronto.

A report points out that the TTC could lose $2.5 million to $3.5 million a year in fares. But it points out that the parking lots, which operate at 97 per cent capacity with about 14,000 spots, cost the TTC $3.6 million a year, mainly because Metropass holders use most of the spaces.

If the commissioners adopt the plan, staff will report back in December on its implementation.

Reports by CFRB's Ryan Bird