Meeting Date: March 21, 2001

Subject: Request For Travel Approval – 54th UITP World Congress

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Commission approve the attendance of Brian Ashton, Rick Ducharme and Vincent Rodo to the 54th UITP World Congress scheduled from May 20 – 25, 2001 in London, England.

Funding

Sufficient funds are included in the 2001 TTC Operating Budget to cover approximate costs of $4,000 each for Brian Ashton and Rick Ducharme. The cost for Vincent Rodo would be approximately $2,400 as his registration fee of $1,600 would be complimentary due to the fact that he was a member of the UITP Toronto Local Host Committee in 1999.

Background

In 1999, TTC, along with GO Transit and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation co-hosted the joint UITP/APTA/CUTA Conference held in Toronto.
It is customary for the previous hosts to be present at the subsequent Congress. At the time, Mr. Ducharme was Managing Director with GO Transit, and Mr. Rodo was Acting Chief General Manager of the TTC and both were actively involved in all aspects of the preparation for the 53rd Congress.

Discussion

Continued participation in UITP will ensure our involvement and input at an international level. During the 1999 UITP/APTA/CUTA Conference, the City, GO Transit and the TTC acquired significant exposure, and transit staff were provided with the opportunity of making valuable international contacts.

Justification

Involvement with UITP is an important link with its organizing body and international transit leaders.

March 8, 2001

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