Editorial Archive

Office of the Chief Executive

Enjoy the long weekend and stay safe

As we head into the long weekend, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a joyous and peaceful occasion.

While our usual festivities will be subdued this year, it is still the perfect time to connect with loved ones online and by phone. I am looking forward to the coming months when the pandemic is over and we can gather together around the dinner table with our family and friends.

To our co-workers who are self-isolating at home, you especially are in our thoughts and we hope everyone has a full recovery. It’s vitally important that we all continue to practice social distancing and use all common-sense measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The world continues to change at a quick pace and your safety remains a top priority. I know this is a difficult time and you are all working hard. I want you to know that people are noticing. I have seen a number of comments from people commending our work.

One that stood out from earlier this week from ttc.ca, “With parks closed there is not much to do. We live near the Greenwood Yard so we go for a morning walk to see the trains enter and leave the Greenwood Yard. The train drivers always make a point to wave to my sons and honk their horns. So on behalf of my sons thank you for making them smile and being part of our mornings.”

As a reminder, earlier this week priority testing became available for our essential frontliners and for staff supporting them. We also started operating buses with physical barriers to add distance between Operators and customers. If all goes according to plan next week, employees at Harvey Shop will have all the materials required to manufacture masks for those in our workforce who need them most.

I wanted to also add a couple of quick links for those of you who are looking for up-to-date information (on ttc.ca):

Coronavirus updates
Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19
Wheel-Trans updates
Extra buses added to key routes
TTC COVID-19 case update

If you are working this holiday period, thank you for everything that you’re doing to keep Toronto moving.

Keep safe and stay well.

Richard J. Leary
Chief Executive Officer
April 9, 2020