Metrolinx, the provincial transportation agency for the GTA and Hamilton has decided to seek private sector partnership to pick up some of the costs of building the Light Rail lines along Eglinton, Finch and Sheppard.

The agency has also notified the TTC they're looking for a private partner to operate and maintain those transit lines. Something which, until now, only the TTC does in Toronto.

Metrolinx says the decision is about getting more value for the money. For example, if the project is over budget, the private sector pays and not the taxpayers.

The letter stated that the two transit companies will continue to work together but TTC Chair Karen Stintz will be involved with the design of the interchange stations.

This leaves open a number of questions including whether there would be two separate fare systems or whether GO-Transit's Presto fare system be fully integrated into the TTC by then.

(some files by D. Agar)