The TTC hopes to increase service by summertime (fingers crossed)

Despite cutting service last fall, the TTC is now looking to expand a few lines thanks to the likelihood that lots more people will ride the rocket. According to a new report, the system is designed to handle 503 million commuters, but the TTC will likely shuttle around 512 million (read: way too many) passengers this year. The transit agency wants to use part of the $9-million surplus it should collect in fare revenue as a result to increase its 2012 operating budget by $2.1 million. The money would go toward paying 44 new operators and 10 mechanics, with 79 routes potentially receiving increased service, including the uber-crowded 504 King streetcar (praise the Lord!). The TTC wants the recommendations approved this June so it can start training the new employees ASAP. We’d like that, too: there’s nothing worse than riding a jam-packed streetcar with no air conditioning in the dead of July. [Globe and Mail]