TORONTO — Repairs at the Toronto Coach Terminal aren’t being made because of a landlord-tenant dispute between the TTC and bus companies.
The 85-year-old transportation hub at Bay Street and Dundas Street West sees thousands come to and from intercity buses but doesn’t have the money to fix some problems, according to management.
“From a business perspective you have to have revenue coming in order to pay for the expenditures,” facility manager Michelle Hunt said.
“I’m definitely investigating and understanding the whole scope of the problem and then going forward to present solutions to the board.”
One problem in particular involves an escalator inside the building. It has been out of service for some time and forces passengers to take the stairs or elevator.
Another issue is the exterior door on Elizabeth Street doesn’t open and close properly so those with luggage end up having problems.
“We all know such conditions would not be tolerated at an airport,” Global News viewer Rob Lee said in an email.
“That it is acceptable at the bus station speaks volumes about priorities.”
The city-owned building was operated by the TTC until 2012 when a lease agreement was reached with Coach Canada and Greyhound Canada. That five-year contract pays the TTC $1.2-million annually.
“We do sympathize with our passengers that come to the building and it’s definitely the top of my priority list,” Hunt said.
“We’re working on it.”
The need for the Toronto Coach Terminal is being questioned now that Metrolinx has teamed up with Ivanhoe Cambridge to build a new GO bus terminal at Bay Street and Lakeshore Boulevard.
That development isn’t expected to be complete before 2018.
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