New TTC CEO says his top priority is to increase reliability as he takes over transit agency
Mandeep Lali called the position a "once in a lifetime opportunity in terms of what's happening here in Toronto," in an interview with CBC Radio's Metro Morning on Tuesday.
"If you look at the two brand new lines coming on board, where in the world are you seeing that kind of level of construction and development?" he said, referring to the Eglinton Crosstown and Finch West LRT.
Both lines are over budget and have been long-delayed. Lali said the TTC is partnering with Metrolinx, which is leading construction, to ensure both lines are safe and reliable.
Lali was previously an executive at New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), serving as executive vice-president and chief operating officer of subways for the largest transit agency in North America. Before that, he spent over 13 years at Transport for London.
He said issues have built up incrementally at the TTC, such as the backlog for maintenance of infrastructure and equipment. The transit system is facing a roughly $8.2 billion repair backlog.
"How do you break those incrementals down? That is my job, that is what I will do," Lali said.
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