A report from the TTC workers' union is calling for more buses and more money from the city to address what the union president called an "unprecedented transit crisis."

The report called "Toronto's Transit Future" lists 68 recommendations to improve the Toronto Transit Commission, among them a thorough investigation into John Tory's transit plan and a new fleet of 40-foot buses.

The Amalgamated Transit Union presented the report on Monday, warning that unless action is taken, the TTC's aging infrastructure will collapse under the expanding population.

The union, which represents 10,000 TTC workers, recommends an accelerated review of mayor-elect John Tory's "SmartTrack" transit plan. Tory's plan suggests building 53 kilometres of subway tracks and 22 new subway stations over seven years.

"We're neither for nor against SmartTrack as proposed by Mr. Tory. We feel we need more information about such a huge decision," ATU president Bob Kinnear said at a news conference on Monday.

"It may turn out to be a perfect solution, but it may need some modification once we study it deeper. In any case, let's find the money to start the studies quickly."

The report suggests about 60 million additional riders are expected to start using Toronto transit over the next four years, and it will cost about $66 million more per year to accommodate the new riders.

This year, the City of Toronto gave the TTC a $426-million subsidy to go toward its $1.6-billion operating budget, but the ATU report claims the TTC will need $612 million by 2018.

Kinnear declared next year's federal election Toronto's "transit election" – the city's opportunity to address its transit deficit.

It's time for John Tory to meet with federal leaders and find out who will make specific funding commitments to Toronto transit, Kinnear said.

"We've been on bended knee begging. And it's time to stop begging and start demanding."

Kinnear called the state of Toronto transit an unprecedented crisis, "even worse than most people realize," including the federal leaders who could move to download funding to the city for the TTC.

"Mr. Harper, Mr. Mulcair, Mr. Trudeau: get out of your limos and get on the bus."

Many of the other recommendations echo those put forth by TTC managers in August, including two-hour passes and back-door boarding on streetcars.

Other recommendations include:

  • 250 new 40-foot buses
  • Transit-priority signal lights at busy intersections
  • A 24-hour transit pass option
  • Wi-Fi on some bus routes
  • New shelters and bus and streetcar stops
  • Extended overnight hours on popular routes
  • Scheduling buses to minimize transfer times
  • Rewards program for frequent TTC riders

The 156-page report is available online.