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Metrolinx and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) have reached an agreement on the operations and maintenance of Toronto's four new province-funded light-rail lines.

The agreement calls for TTC to operate the four lines under contract with Metrolinx, while Metrolinx's private-sector partner maintains the routes, Metrolinx officials said in a prepared statement.

"Metrolinx and the TTC agree on the urgent need to expand transit," said Metrolinx Chief Executive Officer Bruce McCuaig. "This agreement was the result of ongoing, open discussion and we are pleased that we have developed a plan that will achieve maximum value for the province's investment."

Metrolinx will use an alternative financing and procurement (AFP) framework managed by Infrastructure Ontario (IO) to deliver the projects, Metrolinx officials said.

In applying the AFP approach, Metrolinx and IO will adopt a "design-build-finance-maintain" model to deliver light-rail services. Operations will be provided by the TTC, on behalf of Metrolinx, over an initial 10-year operating agreement, which could be mutually extended.

The four lines, which will span the city, are the Eglinton Crosstown, Scarborough, Finch West and Sheppard East routes.