Transit strikes have been banned in Toronto.

Queen's Park voted 68-9 in favor of the Essential Services Bill on Tuesday.

The bill makes good on a campaign promise by Mayor Rob Ford.

Ford had wanted the bill to be passed into law before the union contract expires tomorrow, but needed provincial approval.

Supporters say transit strikes in Toronto cost the city an estimated $50 million a day.

Critics, however, argue the legislation will cost taxpayers more in the long run because contract disputes will go to arbitration and be resolved with bigger raises.

In the wake of Wednesday's vote New Democrat Peter Kormos, whose party voted against the bill, told CP24 the legislation is a "full frontal attack on democracy."

City Coun. Karen Stintz, the TTC's chair, denies those claims.

"We will continue to negotiate an acceptable agreement and, well, we are not there yet. Talks are ongoing," she says. "We are making sure riders don't have interrupted service and that's what today is about."

Although TTC employees still have the right to work to rule under the new legislation, Stintz says she doesn't expect that to happen during upcoming negotiations.

"I don't expect we will see those things occur," she says. "The statements from (Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 head) Mr. (Bob) Kinnear have been that he wouldn't because he understands the importance of customer service and continuity of service."