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Metrolinx, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and Toronto city officials yesterday signed agreements that will result in four new light-rail transit (LRT) lines and other measures to improve public transit and ease the traffic congestion in the city.

One of the agreements formalizes the construction and operation of the LRT lines, which Metrolinx will own and the TTC will operate, Metrolinx officials said in a prepared statement.

The province of Ontario will provide $8.4 billion to build the LRT lines, which will be called the Eglinton Crosstown, Scarborough, Finch West and Sheppard East lines.

Construction of the 12-mile Eglinton Crosstown line is under way and scheduled to be completed by 2020.

A second agreement between the parties calls for the TTC to implement PRESTO fare card technology in subway stations, buses and streetcars by 2016. PRESTO fare cards already are available at all GO Transit stations, and on buses and eight municipal transit systems.