ACAT Meeting - July 28, 2022


Meeting Info

Date:Thursday, July 28, 2022
Start Time:1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location:Virtual Meeting
Meeting No:382
  • Agenda
  • Meeting Minutes

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Captioning link: https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=ACATGeneralMeetingJuly28

Please be reminded only ACAT members can speak during the meeting. Members of the public are invited to observe all ACAT meetings.

As a member of the public your feedback, ideas and suggestions are important to the TTC and ACAT. To make a verbal, written or video deputation at an ACAT meeting, you must make your request in writing ten (10) days prior to the upcoming ACAT meeting. Deputants must provide a written statement or a brief, written overview of the topic(s) to be addressed in your verbal or video presentation. Please forward your request and accompanying statement or overview to acat@ttc.ca.

Agenda

  1. Call to Order / Attendance
  2. Land Acknowledgement
  3. Declaration of Conflict of Interest
  4. Approval of Agenda
  5. Review and Approval of June 30, 2022 Minutes
  6. Remarks from ACAT Chair
  7. Remarks from TTC Executive
  8. Outstanding Items – ACAT Honoraria, Review of ACAT meeting times, DRS motion – Davisville Platform Width
  9. Deputation
    1. Wheel-Trans Online Booking Accounts – Jennifer Conroy
  10. Review of Correspondence: Nil
  11. Wheel-Trans Transformation & COVID-19 update from Cameron Penman
  12. Subcommittee Reports, Highlights and Updates
    • Communications
    • Design Review
    • Service Planning
    • Wheel-Trans Operations
  13. New Business
  14. Next Meeting – August 25, 2022
  15. Adjournment

Minutes of Meeting:


ACAT General Meeting

Meeting Date:

Thursday, July 28, 2022 
1:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. 

Location:

Virtual meeting via Webex 

Present:

Jonathan Marriott, ACAT Chair 
Debbie Gillespie, ACAT Co-Vice Chair 
Anita Dressler, ACAT Co-Vice Chair 
Craig Nicol, DRS Chair 
Carmen Galvan, SPS Chair 
Angela Marley, CS Chair 
Lauri Sue Robertson, WTOS Chair 
Bobbi Moore 
Erica Tanny 
Gwyneth Dalzell 
Howard Wax 
Janice Shachter 
Sean Hollingsworth 

Regrets:

Lorraine Le CampWangari Muriuki 

Pool Members:

Robert Hampson

Absent:

Lauren Foote 

Deputant:

Jennifer Conroy 

TTC Representatives:

Gary Downie, Chief Capital Officer, Engineering, Construction and Expansion  
Fortunato Monaco, Chief of Infrastructure and Engineering
Cameron Penman, Acting Head of Wheel-Trans 
Heather Brown, Director of Customer Experience
Matt Hagg, Acting Manager of Customer Experience & Fare Policy, Strategy and Foresight 
Chris Hong, Customer Experience Analyst, Strategy & Foresight 
David LoPresti, Manager, Contracted Taxi Services, Wheel-Trans 
Dean Milton, Manager of Strategic Initiatives, Wheel-Trans
John Boucher, Garage Manager, Lakeshore, Wheel-Trans 
Lodon Hassan, Acting Manager of Customer Service, Wheel-Trans 
Natalie Francis, Manager, Planning & Policy, Wheel Trans
Dorna Zaboli, Human Rights Consultant
Levenson Lincoln, Customer Service Supervisor, Wheel-Trans
Natashia Singh, Customer Experience Analyst, Strategy & Foresight 
Stephan Boston, Chief Instructor, Operations Training Centre
Paolo Nicolas, Coordinator, Training & Quality Assurance
Adrienne Isaac, Administrative Assistant, Wheel-Trans

Items Discussed

  1. Call to Order / Attendance 
  2. Land Acknowledgement 
  3. Declaration of Conflict of Interest 
  4. Approval of Agenda 
  5. Review and Approval of June 30, 2022 Minutes 
  6. Remarks from TTC Executive
  7. Outstanding Items – ACAT Honoraria, Review of ACAT meeting times, DRS motion – Davisville Platform Width
  8. Deputation 
    a) Wheel-Trans Online Booking Accounts – Jennifer Conroy
  9. Review of Correspondence 
  10. Wheel-Trans Transformation & COVID-19 update from Cameron Penman 
  11. Subcommittee Reports, Highlights and Updates 
    b) Communications 
    c) Design Review
    d) Service Planning 
    e) Wheel-Trans Operations  
  12. New Business 
    a) Sensory considerations for Wheel-Trans Eligibility Applications  
    b) 2022 ACAT Members group photograph – screenshot of virtual meeting 
  13. Remarks from ACAT Chair  
  14. Next Meeting – August 25, 2022 
  15. Adjournment 

Enclosures: 

  1. July 28, 2022 Agenda 
  2. June 30, 2022 ACAT Minutes – DRAFT  
  3. Approved May 26, 2022 ACAT Minutes 
  4. ACAT Outstanding Items List 
  5. Approved June 8, 2022 DRS Minutes  

1. Call to Order / Attendance 

Jonathan Marriott, ACAT Chair, called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m. and attendance was taken.

2. Land Acknowledgement 

The land acknowledgement was read by ACAT Chair.

3. Declaration of Conflict of Interest 

No conflicts of interest were declared.

4. Approval of Agenda

Two items were added to the agenda under New Business

a. Sensory considerations for Wheel-Trans Eligibility Applications 
b. 2022 ACAT Members group photograph – screenshot of virtual meeting     

The ACAT Chair proposed ACAT Chair remarks be heard after New Business. The motion to approve the amended agenda made by Howard Wax and seconded by Debbie Gillespie. Carried. 

5. Review and Approval of June 30, 2022 Minutes 

Bobbi Moore brought a motion to approve the June 30, 2022 minutes. Anita Dressler seconded. Carried.

ACAT Members asked for meeting minutes be more consistent and be provided within a more reasonable amount of time for their review. ACAT Members discussed the Terms of Reference as it relates to minute taking. Reference was made to the ACAT Members Manual on page 36, and it was discussed that the first directive suggested that meeting minutes be written in the third person, unless it was an action item that needed approval, or confirming of attendance or validity, anonymity, and credibility for the best interest of the Public. 

6. Remarks from TTC Executives 

Gary Downie, Chief Capital Officer, Engineering, Construction and Expansion, discussed TTC being at the forefront of most designs compared to counterparts within the City of Toronto when it comes to meeting accessibility standards. Comments from ACAT on the Easier Access Program have been considered and TTC staff is looking at incorporating the comments in the design moving forward. 

Gary shared he spoke with the former Metrolinx Chief Capital Officer about concerns around better collaboration between Metrolinx and TTC. Gary will also speak with the current Metrolinx contacts about ensuring collaboration and alignment with the design standards across the TTC and Metrolinx. 

Fortunato Monaco, Chief of Infrastructure and Engineering, provided an update about equipment reliability since his last presentation at the April ACAT General Meeting.  Escalator reliability at Wilson Station is an ongoing issue. There were further challenges involving water damage. Platform edge tile installation work at Wilson Station has commenced and previous supply chain issues have improved. The completion target is by the end of 2022. 

The stair rehabilitation work at St George and Runnymede stations is complete as planned. The project to replace platform edge tiles to reduce the gap between trains and platforms is ongoing. St Patrick Station is complete. The work at St Clair and King stations will likely be done in 2022. 

Questions and Comments from the Committee 

An ACAT Member expressed concerns about the Metrolinx’ Draft Terms of Reference for Metrolinx Consultations with TTC’s Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit: Design Review Subcommittee and the suggestion for Metrolinx consultation directly with the ACAT DRS Committee and restricting the amount of feedback from ACAT. Gary asked for a copy of the draft Terms of Reference to be sent to him. 

Another ACAT Member discussed escalator and elevator outage notifications, specifically at Kennedy Station and appreciated the improvements TTC is making for accessibility. 

7. Outstanding Items 

ACAT Honoraria 

The ACAT Chair reported this is pending as it is contingent on the evaluation from the City of Toronto. TTC will make considerations based on the City’s evaluation. An update is expected in early 2023.

DRS Motion – Davisville Platform Width 

The ACAT Chair advised that the motion was sent to Commission Services for advisement and to be forwarded to the TTC Board. 

Review of ACAT Meeting Times

 The ACAT Chair asked the Committee members to provide their preferred meeting times for a meeting to review ACAT meeting times. The ACAT Chair suggested members could email directly if they preferred. 

An ACAT Member advised after 5 p.m. is preferred. Another ACAT Member suggested ACAT meeting times have been the same for many years and when people join ACAT they know the obligation. TTC staff work normal business hours and that should be considered.

The ACAT Chair clarified the request was to determine availability for a separate ACAT meeting among members. 

An ACAT Member preferred afternoons. 

Another ACAT Member preferred after business hours. 

8. Deputation – Wheel-Trans Online Booking Accounts 

Jennifer Conroy addressed ACAT about a notification that Wheel-Trans customers receive on online booking accounts advising their account has been suspended or inactive and prompting the person to reapply within 60 days to determine eligibility and whether the person will be put on the Family of Services program. Jennifer spoke with the TTC Board about this concern and also spoke with TTC staff. Jennifer suggested users fear the possibility of losing access to transportation, especially after adhering to COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions over the past two years. Jennifer urged Wheel-Trans to automatically renew users’ online accounts and also asked for TTC to publicly communicate policy changes about online bookings, re-registrations, and Family of Services to Wheel-Trans users.   

Jennifer suggested friends have shared they were informed by Wheel-Trans Customer Service that they needed to re-apply by September 11. Jennifer appreciated being able to advocate and represent the outside community of TTC riders.   

ACAT members asked for clarification about the deputation.  

An ACAT Member suggested Jennifer provide the contact information for the person having difficulty so Wheel-Trans and TTC could further investigation the situation. 

Another ACAT Member suggested there was a communication issue and suggested adding a notification on the TTC website advising Wheel-Trans customers to call customer service after one year of non use. 

Another ACAT Member said that ACAT previously raised the issue of Wheel-Trans accounts being suspended. Wheel-Trans extended the period of inactivity before suspension and Wheel-Trans is encouraging self-booking. Call Customer Service and they will re-activate the account. The issue Jennifer discussed could be an individual situation so if the person was identified TTC staff could assist. 

Another ACAT Member suggested the Communications and Wheel-Trans Subcommittees have further discussion.
The ACAT Chair asked TTC staff for contact information for someone to assist Jennifer.

Cameron Penman, Acting Head of Wheel-Trans, asked for the customer to e-mail Wheel-Trans Customer Service at wtcs@ttc.ca and Levenson Lincoln, Customer Service Supervisor.

The ACAT Chair asked TTC staff to send an email to Jennifer with the contact information. 

9. Review of Correspondence

Nil.

10. Wheel-Trans Transformation & COVID-19 update 

Cameron Penman provided an update about the Transformation Program. Shorter clips of the Family of Services video previously shared have been created and will be shared on social media over the next few months. The video clips focus on connections to the different conventional service. Cameron encouraged ACAT Members to review the clips and provide feedback. 

The next phases, Phases 5 to 8 of the Wheel-Trans scheduling and dispatch software upgrades, will commence shortly. Wheel-Trans is expecting a report on next steps from our consultant in August and Cameron will provide an update in September. The Mobile Application Pilot to be released to more customers later in 2022. The bus fleet now has 22 newer and more comfortable 7 Metre ProMaster Buses in service. Updates about the 7 Metre ProMaster vehicle will be released every few months. 
   
Customer and Operator safety remains our top priority. Wheel-Trans continues to have mandatory mask wearing when medically possible and health screening questionnaires are still required to be completed prior to trip booking. Sedan taxis are not providing shared rides yet and the plan is to return to ridesharing on all vehicles, including sedan taxis, over the coming months. 

11. Subcommittee, Reports, Highlights, and Updates 

Communications Subcommittee (CS)

Angela Marley, Communications Subcommittee Chair, presented an update about the meeting held on July 7. 

The Line 5 education customer communications information is in development and will be shared when it is ready. 

Regarding closure communications in response to the Communication Subcommittee, request for improvement to the diversion signage and the process of communicating communication about the closures and diversions, the pole cards and signs have been updated to simplify the information provided. 

Kal Bedder, Print and Electronic Information Supervisor, Design & Wayfinding, highlighted the types of the diversions, temporary changes, alternate route and no alternate route, and outlined changes made to templates. Members suggested inserting a scannable QR code for people to use and laminating the signs using anti-glare lamination. The QR codes should be large enough for people with vision loss to access. Staff agreed to investigate the use of the QR code on the signage. Another Member emphasized the need for hard copy route signage so customers do not have to depend on the website to access to information. 

Anthony Ascenzi, Digital Communications Specialist, presented about of the ACAT 30th Anniversary Social Media Campaign analytics. The campaign engagement was higher than average in relation to all previous TTC digital campaigns. The benefits of digital campaigns is that they create a two-way conversation about accessibility and assist with determining which content people respond to most. Social media campaigns are more efficient use of time and resources. The visual content was impactful and separating the content into different categories allowed for a focussed delivery of information. The campaign was successful. Arrangements will be made for Anthony to present a report to the campaign at a future ACAT General Meeting.

Heather Brown, Director of Customer Experience, presented the communication plan for the 2023 ACAT committee member recruitment. Communications will begin on August 9, 2022, which is earlier than previous years. The objectives of the campaign are to inform new and returning applicants about recruitment application dates and the steps and to attract new applicants. The hope is to attract seniors, people who have disabilities or work with people with disabilities, as well as prioritizing the outreach to indigenous black and other racialized applicants. 

The print and digital advertising will be used to inform and educate people about the ACAT recruitment information, which will also be shared on social media via social media and news releases. 

The TTC will also post information on platform video screens in stations and other outreach to targeted stakeholder groups.

Key messages will concentrate on what ACAT is, what it does and will clearly include the ways people can apply. September 12th is the deadline for applications. The online version of the application form is fully accessible and in a format that can be saved and printed. 

The escalator and elevator outages are being worked on by IT. There is a glitch in the IT programming and they are working to fix it. 

The next CS meeting is on August 4, 2022.

CS Highlights

  • ACAT recruitment 
  • ACAT 30th anniversary social media campaign

Design Review Subcommittee (DRS) 

Craig Nichol, Design Review Subcommittee Chair, presented about the last meeting held on July 6, 2022. The first item was concerning the subway train pre-boarding announcements and door side announcements. The absence of mandated requirements for pre-boarding announcements for subway trains at terminus stations was discussed. The announcements are not made at these stations, persons with the vision impairment would have difficulty knowing if there was a train on the platform waiting for customers to board and the other is of what side of the platform the train is waiting. An Operator activated switch is in place in the trains to switch direction when the trains reached the terminal stations. The announcement is initiated when the door is opened. There was a question about the absence of door side announcements at terminus station and interchange station announcements online. The terminus station pre-boarding announcements applies to all lines and door side and interchange in terminal station missing announcements applied to Line 2. TTC staff will investigate solutions for the pre-boarding announcement issue and the Line 2 terminus interchange announcements and report back to the Subcommittee. 

The ACAT Members suggested the switch to change direction at the terminus stations which is currently being activated when the train is in the station sitting at the platform, be operated before the train arrives at the station. When the door is open at the terminus station the correct announcement would be made. TTC staff indicated this would be the first item they would look at for a solution. 

Other suggestions involved was the need to recycle the doors on the platform, but that would have an impact on the customer's use of the train. The Subcommittee also considered Line 2 where the door side and interchange and terminus station announcements are not provided. These trains are going to be replaced with new trains and it would not be practical to upgrade the existing trains. The Subcommittee was not in agreement with this as the existing T1 trains have not been scheduled for replacement yet. There is no actual Request for Proposal for a contract to provide new trains, and these trains may be in service for at least another nine years. Subcommittee members requested that TTC Staff investigate further and return to the Subcommittee in the future. 

The Subcommittee suggested a solution to door side announcements on the TR trains and T1 trains operating on Line 1, Line 2 and Line 4, where the trigger on the tracks would be installed at a different place at an extra announcement would be provided for them terminus stations, for there to be two different announcements with one for the right side door with from the left side door depending on which side of the platform the train stopped at. This had been investigated before, but no action had been taken.
Staff provided an update about Easier Access Phase 3, which is the installation of elevators in all stations so all stations will be accessible by 2025. There are a few stations that have not been awarded to contractors, Old Mill and King stations. These are complex property and right-of-way issues that are holding back those contracts. TTC anticipated a solution was upcoming. Islington and Warden stations will not be entirely accessible by 2025 but will have basic accessibility. It will be possible to get from the street to the platform and on the street, you will be able to board the bus. The outstanding portion will be the actual permanent bus terminals that would be constructed after the end of 2024. The estimated project completion date is 2025-2026.
The presentation delivered was positive and proactive approaches were taken. The Subcommittee requested information on the Easier Access Phase 4 project, which is the provision of additional accessible routes at key stations. An update will be given in fall 2022. 

Other business items raised were about the retirement of Line 3 trains and the replacement with buses that will involve buses entering the Kennedy Station. This will result in an overload of buses at the bus platform and an expansion of this bus platform is being contemplated. TTC staff will return to the Subcommittee with a report on expansion. 

The request for an update on the Eglinton Crosstown surface stop accessible pedestrian signal announcements was also brought forward. Metrolinx has not committed to have this in place in time for launch.

There are also some tactile wayfinding tile installations being tested in the system. Design Review Subcommittee Members visited Bay Station and met with TTC staff to review some installations around the stair and elevator at the east end of the platform. The Subcommittee commented on some changes in this design. Yorkdale and York Mills stations have wayfinding tiles and ACAT Members were encouraged to check these prior to the next Subcommittee meeting. 

The next meeting will be held on August 3, 2022.  

DRS Highlights 

  • Subway Train terminus station Pre-Boarding announcements missing and non compliance with AODA.
  • Easier Access III Update

Questions and Comments from the Committee 

Matt Hagg, Acting Manager of Customer Experience, reminded ACAT Members about the bus design site visit scheduled for August 6 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Hillcrest Yard. ACAT members interested in attending were asked to email Matt Hagg. 

Heather Brown, Director of Customer Experience, shared that the Communications Subcommittee will be receiving a presentation about the features and communications plan at the next Communications Subcommittee meeting. 

The Design Review Subcommittee Chair asked for a copy of the communication plan. 

Service Planning Subcommittee (SPS)

Carmen Galvan, Service Planning Subcommittee (SPS) Chair presented about the last meeting held July 6, 2022. The first item discussed was the 2023 TTC Annual Service Plan – round one of consultations. TTC staff reviewed timelines and accomplishments. The five-year plan focuses on improvements to the TTC's core competency. The plan is split into five pillars: enhance the network, improve stop amenities, improved service reliability, transit priority, and service integration. 

Ridership trends for 2022 show ridership was close to 60% which was higher than forecasted, and the trend by the end of 2022 is the hope to see 80% pre pandemic ridership back on the TTC. 

There was conversation about COVID lessons learned. There were three key customer groups that relied on the TTC during the pandemic the most, including; a) people with low-income b) shift workers and c) women. The primary trip purpose had gone from just commuting to work to essentially running errands. This meant that there was a better opportunity to understand the priority of various customers, and further consultations will be taking place in the future as the Plan progresses and as SPS receives updates. 

TTC staff provided an overview of the Special Constables and Revenue Operations customer caution form and explained the special constable service, and revenue protection would like to create a customer interaction or caution card. TTC staff reviewed the form fields and demographic information included in the form and requested feedback regarding the inclusion of perceived identification of someone with a disability. With regards to racial protection, the purpose of collecting data for certain information is to provide an equity perspective and examine disproportionate outcomes of some demographic groups managing behavior and understanding how interactions impact different groups in different ways. TTC staff recognized discussions about the validity of how to collect the data, how to do the work, and concerns with information that may have been omitted from the minutes and needed to be added. TTC staff suggested scheduling a meeting between ACAT and the Diversity and Culture Group and Committee Members suggested to schedule a future meeting. The talk will be scheduled in the near future, if not at the next Subcommittee Meeting, scheduled for August 3, 2022. 

SPS Highlights 

  • 2023 Annual Service Plan
  • Special Constables Revenue Operations Customer Card. 

Wheel-Trans Operations Subcommittee (WTOS) 

Lauri Sue Robertson, WTOS Chair, shared updates regarding the meeting held July 20, 2022. Wheel-Trans stops and landmarks were discussed. Marco Iorfida, Scheduling and Policy Specialist, provided an update about landmarks around various health facilities these have been updated and will continue to be monitored and updated as they change overtime.

Wheel-Trans provided a mobile app pilot update. There is an issue for iPhone users due to the “Where's My Ride” feature not automatically updating on the iPhones. The ETA feature remains in testing. The plan is to release the mobile app to more customers this year and any improvements to the mobile app will be included in 2023. Ross Visconti, Project Manager, Wheel-Trans, explained that details entered under the trip instruction notes section on the self-booking website are saved and visible for drivers even if it does not always indicate trip notes. The dispatch office will reinforce these details to the dispatchers. 

An ACAT Member raised concerns about customers being dropped off before buildings open. It was explained that support staff are doing their best to accommodate customers with a trip, in which they aim to reduce waitlists anytime and should an arrival time be changed, staff are mandated to reconfirm trip confirmation with the customer by phone call. 

There were safety concerns surrounding mandatory policy about the use of Operators asking passengers about lap belts. Mohammed Shaikh, Divisional Manager, Wheel-Trans, explained certain exceptions apply and Operators are unaware of customers’ invisible disabilities, medical history, which is why belts may not always be worn by customers.

Dean Milton, Manager of Strategic Initiatives, Wheel-Trans, provided an update on Family of Services (FOS). Approximately 80 scheduled trips are averaged weekly. This number has climbed to 100 per week. The Communications Subcommittee is developing a social media campaign using the FOS video to show conditionally eligible customers how FOS travel works. 

A request was made for personalized FOS trips that are different from the current system. It was added that the FOS system may provide future options to allow for the most direct trip solution based on proximity to origin and destination.

The Wheel-Trans Customer Satisfaction survey revealed that the quality of service took a slight decrease in 2022 compared to 2021. Overall, most riders were satisfied with 89% giving a high satisfaction score. 

The self-booking option has also increased to 70% since the redesign of the website.

Operators have been trained and shown how to reposition their mirrors to resolve recent concerns. 

Information on the travel training position to be shared at the next Wheel-Trans Operations Subcommittee meeting. 

An ACAT Member suggested the option to add additional information about the type of eligibility under the customer’s profile.  

Next meeting is scheduled for August 17, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. 

WTOS Highlights

  • Wheel Trans stops and landmarks update
  • Mobile app pilot updates
  • Securement 
  • Family of Services update 
  • Operator training for microphone use and vehicle mirrors 

Questions and Comments from the Committee 

ACAT Members discussed the format of minutes and using third person for minutes. The exception is identifying TTC staff presenting, identifying ACAT Members when bringing a motion, and identifying ACAT Members when reporting in subcommittee minutes only. 

The ACAT Chair asked for page 36 of the ACAT Members’ Manual to be shared with the minute takers to ensure consistency. 

12. New Business 

Sensory considerations for Wheel-Trans Eligibility Applications

Janice Shachter proposed that Wheel-Trans include sensory disabilities such as acquired brain injury and neurodiversity when assessing customer eligibility on a Wheel-Trans application. Customer Ability Liaison staff should acknowledge and be mindful of all disabilities; physical, cognitive, sensory and mental health when reviewing applications.  Sensory considerations need to be considered in the same as cognitive mental health and physical health as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act expanded the definition to include cognitive, sensory and mental illness. 

Another ACAT Member supported the suggestion.  

Lodon Hassan, Acting Manager of Customer Service, Wheel-Trans, remarked that eligibility decisions take into account both a healthcare professional’s response to questions as well as the applicant’s. If the customer was not satisfied with their eligibility decision, they could request an appeal. 

The Wheel-Trans Operations Subcommittee will review the application and eligibility decision process to determine where it can be improved and to ensure that sensory disabilities are given proper consideration. The WTOS Chair agreed to take eligibility criteria back to the Subcommittee for necessary resolution.

Cameron agreed a review of the Wheel-Trans eligibility checklist and process was appropriate.

ACAT 2022 Members Photo 

ACAT members expressed interest in a screen shot of a virtual meeting as the 2022 ACAT Members photo and it can also serve as a historical documentation of how ACAT Members and Pool Members met during pandemic times. The timeline for the screen shot to be used for recruiting future ACAT Members is August.  

Other New Business 

An ACAT Member discussed the Bloor-Yonge station power outage due to the fire and reviewing how it was handled. The ACAT Chair suggested adding this for the next General Meeting.  

13. Remarks from ACAT Chair (originally Item 6) 

Jonathon Marriott, ACAT Chair, advised that recruitment will be beginning shortly and provided an overview of what ACAT does. The facts presented were current as of December 2021. ACAT was established on May 19, 1992. It is comprised of 15 members and 2 to 4 pool members. In 2021, 53 meetings took place.  

There are 4 subcommittees: Communications, Design Review, Wheel-Trans Operations, and Service Planning.

The Communications Subcommittee met nine times last year and reviewed 46 different issues. Highlights include; the TTC website, station descriptions and share the bike lane safety campaign. 
The Design Review Subcommittee met 13 times and they reviewed 37 different issues. These included PRESTO reader screen updates, platform gap improvements, and the Waterfront East LRT. 

The Wheel-Trans Subcommittee met nine times last year and reviewed over 40 issues. The key topics included the Wheel-Trans Mobile App, the Family of Services update, and the customer satisfaction survey.

The Service Planning Subcommittee met eight times and reviewed 35 issues, including the 5-Year Fare Policy and 10-Year Fare Collection Strategy, the crisis intervention training, and the Yonge Tomorrow Project. 
 
A TTC Board Meeting took place earlier in July 2022. The meetings are live streamed and the YouTube records can be found on the TTC website for review. 

The Communication Subcommittee highlighted the 2022 Doors Open, and ACAT’s 30th anniversary celebrations. 

The Design Review Subcommittee highlighted two key points: the barrier installation plan for Union Station, and the new third-party connection at York Mills station. 

The Service Planning Subcommittee looked at two key points which emphasized the 2022 Accessibility Plan Status Report, and the Line 5 bus route connections. 

The Wheel-Trans Subcommittee highlighted three key points; the pickup and drop-off at hospitals, the Family of Services instructional videos, and the open fare payments in contracted vehicles. 

Questions and Comments from the Committee 

An ACAT Member asked if the TTC Board Meeting discussed anything impacting accessibility. The ACAT Chair advised that the only inquiry was asking if ACAT received any complaints in relation to disruption of services. 

14. Next Meeting – August 25, 2022

15. Adjournment 

On a motion by Anita Dressler the meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.  

Shawna Briand 
Recording Secretary 

 

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