Mayor Rob Ford says the city must begin construction on a $4.2 billion expansion of the Sheppard subway line in order to convince the private sector to throw their money behind the project.
Ford, who suffered a major defeat in February when council voted against his subway-centric transit plan, made the comments during a pro-subway rally held in Scarborough late Thursday afternoon.
"Start building the subway and the money will flow," Ford said. "You put a shovel in the ground, investors will come, funding will come, it's all going to come."
In February, TTC chair Karen Stintz spearheaded a motion to put $8.4 billion in provincial funding towards above ground light rail transit on Finch Avenue and an Eglinton Avenue light rail route that will be partially above ground.
The motion, which was approved with a 25-18 vote by council, put Ford's Sheppard subway plans on the back burner, at least temporarily.
On Thursday Ford said he remains hopeful that council may change their tune during a Monday meeting to discus the plan.
"An overwhelming number of people want subways and I just hope councilors will listen to them," he said.
