ACAT Meeting - September 25, 2025

Minutes of Meeting:

ACAT General Meeting

Meeting Date:

Thursday, September 25, 2025
1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Location:

Hybrid meeting via Teams

Motion:

Service Planning Subcommittee Renaming

Present:

Betty Rivington Law, ACAT Chair
Debbie Gillespie
Mei Hung
Azim Lila
Frank Lockhart
Maria Marin
Angela Marley
Lavarnan Mehavarnan
Karen Mootoo
Craig Nicol
Lauri Sue Robertson

Pool Members:

Oliva Darwin
Paul Manna
Nathaniel Tok

Regrets:

Lori Bailey, ACAT Vice-Chair
Sophie Petrillo, ACAT Vice-Chair
Chau Sheung Wong

Absent:

Tammy Adams

TTC Representatives:

Rich Wong, Chief Transportation & Vehicles Officer
Lodon Hassan, Divisional Manager, Wheel-Trans Customer Service
Adrienne Isaac, Administrative Assistant, Wheel-Trans
Levenson Lincoln, Assistant Manager, Wheel-Trans Customer Service
David LoPresti, Manager, Contracted Taxi Services, Wheel-Trans
Sneha Madhuri, Communications Advisor, Corporate Communications
Dean Milton, Manager, Strategic Initiatives, Wheel-Trans
Cameron Penman, Head of Wheel-Trans
Jeff Short, Senior Planner – System Accessibility, Strategy & Foresight
Ross Visconti, Wheel-Trans Project Manager
Stephan Boston, Chief Instructor, Operations Training Centre
Natalie Francis, Manager, Planning and Policy
Chrisanne Finnerty, Director, Commission Services
John Boucher, Manager, Lakeshore Garage, Wheel-Trans
Giancarlo Fiorino, Assistant Manager, Wheel-Trans Operations
Chris Kelesis, Supervisor, Elevating Devices
Michael Pimentel, Coordinator, Contracted Services, Wheel-Trans
Ilana Raynai, Senior Investigator and Advisor, Human Rights and Investigations
Monica Zheng, Manager, Racial Equity Office, Diversity
Matthew Do Couto, Manager, Elevating Devices, Plant Maintenance

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 August 28, 2025 Minutes
6. Remarks from TTC Executive
7. Remarks from ACAT Chair
8. Wheel-Trans Transformation Update
9. Outstanding Items
10. Deputation: Nil
11. Incoming Correspondence: Nil
12. Subcommittee Reports, Highlights and Updates
    - Communications
    - Design Review
    - Service Planning
    - Wheel-Trans Operations
13. Other/New Business
    a. SPS renaming
    b. Public Forum registration page questionnaire
14. Next Meeting – October 30, 2025
15. Adjournment

1. Call to Order/Attendance

Betty Rivington Law, ACAT Chair, called the meeting to order at 1:06 p.m. Attendance was taken.

2. Land Acknowledgement

Betty Rivington Law, ACAT Chair, read the Land Acknowledgement.

3. Declaration of Conflict of Interest

Nil.

4. Approval of Agenda

Agenda amended as follows:

Other/New Business: Public Forum registration page questionnaire added as second item.

Motion to approve the agenda as amended: Mei Hung
Seconded: Debbie Gillespie
Carried: Agenda approved.

5. Review and Approval of August 28, 2025 Minutes

Motion to approve the Minutes of August 28, 2025: Maria Marin
Seconded: Lauri Sue Robertson
Carried: Approved.

6. Remarks from TTC Executive – Rich Wong, Chief Transportation and Vehicles Officer

Rich Wong, Chief Transportation and Vehicles Officer, provided an update on some of the TTC Transportation & Vehicles group’s upcoming procurement. The Transportation & Vehicles group is moving forward with several major procurements, including the e-bus Wheel-Trans fleet, introducing electric sedans, and a new subway fleet. Upcoming initiatives include a battery electric pilot for Wheel-Trans, a demonstration bus review in Q2 2026, and consultations for the subway fleet in 2026 for use in 2027. Design feedback has already led to improvements such as having wider cabs for emergency evacuation, open gangways, enhanced seating, mobility device areas, and onboard hearing assistance systems. Enhanced layouts promise a 10% capacity increase to Line 2 fleets. In addition, enhanced customer service training for Operators is underway, and input from users and ACAT continues to shape both vehicle design and service delivery.

Questions and Comments from the Committee

A member who does recertification training for drivers shared that Operators suggest they were not consulted about making new buses more workable. Rich Wong noted there is an established process, which includes consulting Operators during the review period, and discussed the process and approximately how long each steps takes.

A member asked if the electric buses would have to be pulled off service for recharging and if stop request button placement had been considered for accessibility for all. Rich Wong confirmed TTC staff are addressing the process for charging the batteries on the conventional system because of the length of the routes. Wheel-Trans vehicles have shorter routes and should have no issues being pulled off service and switched out for charging.

Rich Wong noted that the buttons and features had undergone changes based on ACAT feedback, but there is always rooms for improvement.

A member asked if the new subway trains would have an open gangway that is similar to the TR trains on Line 1. Rich Wong confirmed a similar design is being considered and that TTC staff are also looking at the seat design to widen the aisles.

A member asked if the full width cab refers to the Operator cab. Rich Wong confirmed this would be reviewed for the front and back of the train, and the design will be also make making the exit wider to allow more people to exit the train.

A member noted a concern that in the trains there is no visible display of the audio onboard Operator announcements. Rich Wong confirmed TTC staff are looking at captioning for the newer trains.

A member asked what the multi-purpose area would be. Rich Wong explained it refers to a standing area for bulkier items like bikes and baby strollers and that the area would be similar to the cut-out area in the streetcars.

A member asked if floor decals like the ones at St. George Station will be added to more stations and also asked if TTC had considered solar power for vehicles going outside. Rich Wong noted that using solar power for different technologies had been considered, not for vehicles. Jeff Short, Senior Planner, System Accessibility, noted TTC staff are working to improve the platform boarding decals, including colour contrast considerations, increasing their readability for people with low vision, and confirmed there are plans to add these floor decals to more stations.

7. Remarks from the ACAT Chair

Betty Rivington-Law, ACAT Chair, acknowledged ACAT members for their representation at the Wheel-Trans 50th Anniversary held on September 6, 2025, and reported there was strong feedback and appreciation for members’ contributions. The recruitment process for new ACAT members has been highly competitive, with 121 applications, narrowed down to 15 interviews. She noted this annual recruitment is a good opportunity, as experienced members retire, to welcome new voices and ideas.

Questions and Comments from the Committee

A member asked if members of the public could be invited to the ACAT General Meeting to determine if they would be interested in applying next year to be an ACAT member. Levenson Lincoln, Assistant Manager of Customer Service, confirmed it was a public meeting that anyone could attend to observe.

8. Wheel-Trans Transformation Update

Cameron Penman, Head of Wheel-Trans, thanked members for attending the Wheel-Trans 50th Anniversary celebration.

He provided an update on the Transformation Program. TTC staff continue to work towards the new Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) system, a successful bidder has been selected and the name of the successful bidder will be released once the contract has been finalized. The successful contractor for the new Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, used in Wheel-Trans, has also been chosen and both are in contract negotiation. The electric sedan pilot project Request for Proposal should be issued in the next few weeks.

Eligibility re-registrations of Wheel-Trans Legacy customers continue to progress successfully. Almost 900 customers have re-registered in 2025, with approximately 1,800 active customers remaining. Almost all Accessible Taxis now have “Where Is My Ride” capability, including most Beck Accessible Taxis, with the remaining vehicles being worked on for onboarding. Sedan vehicles will start being integrated into the system in the coming months.

Cameron Penman reminded members of the upcoming October 20, 2025 TTC Annual Public Forum on Accessible Transit and encouraged members to attend either virtually or in person.

Questions and Comments from the Committee

A member commented they had a trip where the Wheel-Trans stop at the subway station was filled with a conventional bus and they had to disembark from the Wheel-Trans bus at a another bus bay which did not have the room for ramp deployment. Cameron Penman stated that drivers are expected to follow procedure, circling and reporting to Dispatch.

A member asked if this was the same for in front of buildings and Cameron Penman confirmed it should be same.

A member commented with the addition of the new Line 5 and Line 6 opening, there would probably be more issues with the Wheel-Trans stops on the street being used by the public as well as other buses, because many are shared stops. It is important that customers report when this happens to activate resolution. It was recommended that a reminder of the procedure be sent to all Wheel-Trans, contracted and conventional drivers.

A member asked about who would be driving the electric sedans. Cameron Penman confirmed it would be TTC staff. A member noted that the contracted taxis were more reliable for being on time and Cameron Penman explained this is often due to them filling a gap when a Wheel Trans bus is delayed and they are able to negotiate in tighter areas versus the larger buses.

A member asked for the statistics on how many of the riders are Wheel-Trans and conventional versus just Wheel-Trans. Cameron Penman responded the 2024 survey reported 33% of Wheel-Trans riders take conventional at least once per week. Based on eligibility, conditional riders are 35%, which is similar to those utilizing the conventional system.

9. Outstanding Items

a. ACAT Member Manual

The manual review team expects to bring the draft Member’s Manual for ACAT approval in Q4 2025.

10. Deputation

Nil.

11. Incoming Correspondence

Nil.

12. Subcommittee Reports, Highlights and Updates

Communications Subcommittee (CS)

Maria Marin, CS Chair, gave a summary of the meeting held on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

The TTC and Metrolinx wayfinding teams are collaborating more closely to ensure accessibility is built into new operations and expansion projects, including Lines 5 and 6. A communications plan is underway for October 12, 2025 service changes affecting 14 bus routes, supported by surveys, digital ads, and outreach, while routes 32 Eglinton West and 34 Eglinton East are expected to remain unchanged to help riders adjust. Sneha Madhuri noted that Wheel-Trans is celebrating its 50th anniversary on September 6, 2025 and they are preparing for the October Public Forum, along with updating newsletters and handbooks, and developing travel training videos to guide customers through upcoming network changes. The Subcommittee also discussed the need for clearer communication, education and training about the blue stop request button that communicates accessibility alert to an Operator on buses, and recommended review of this procedure to update Operator training.

CS Meeting Highlights:

• Service change and Communication for October.
• Wheel Trans Communication Updates.
• Blue stop request buttons on buses communicating accessibility alert to Operator.

Questions and Comments from the Committee

A member commented that Metrolinx seemed to have a casual approach to the route signage for Line 5. Jeff Short noted that Metrolinx had an external vendor producing the signs, so it is expected it should be done quickly.

A member noted that the route changes discussed in the meeting were to accommodate the opening of Line 5 and were primarily expected to be minor and have possible changes before and/or after implementation.

A member commented that when the blue buttons were originally discussed, ACAT highlighted that when pressed the driver would not know if the ramp should be deployed, as there was no way to distinguish the request coming from the mobility device position or the blue priority seats. The customer might just require extra time, which was flagged as an issue at the time.

A member noted if the pressing the blue button is to notify the driver to lower the ramp, then perhaps a pictogram would improve customers understanding.

A member noted this was not the only purpose of the blue button, but that it should mean there is an accessible need. The ACAT members doing recertification training need a consistent message to give to the drivers.

A member asked what the original intent of the button was, but no one at the meeting was sure. Jeff Short suggested moving this discussion to SPS to provide clarity to customers and operators.

Design Review Subcommittee (DRS)

Craig Nicol, DRS Chair, gave a summary of the meeting held September 9, 2025.

The Yonge North Subway Extension (YNSE) project will add five new stations from Finch Station through Toronto, Vaughan, Markham, and Richmond Hill, designed to meet Metrolinx’s universal accessibility standards. Steeles Station, in particular, will feature multiple entrances, a bus terminal, and accessibility elements such as elevators, escalators, tactile wayfinding, and accessible faregates. Questions from members focused on wayfinding, station pathways, maintenance responsibility, accessibility of entrances, and potential retail or overbuilding opportunities. TTC staff confirmed that the TTC will oversee maintenance and review any major design changes, while issues like tactile information and wayfinding signage remain under review.

Platform boarding decals being designed for Line 5 Eglinton Crosstown LRT stations, which will help guide customers toward the correct boarding areas, were also discussed. Members suggested alignment with platform decals in existing subway stations and recommended validating the colour contrast values of the text for the parts of the decals that use a red background.

DRS Meeting Highlights:

• YNSE project overview, with Steeles Station Reference Concept Design summary
• Line 5 platform boarding decals discussion

The next DRS meeting will be held on October 14, 2025.

Questions and Comments from the Committee

A member asked if fixed barriers/gates could be put near the Line 5 edges to help notify customers where the unused area is, where there would be no car. Jeff Short noted this idea was not considered to be feasible or desirable but might consider flexible bollards, which he could bring to be explored as an option.

A member asked if the decals being recommended are cane detectable, which TTC staff noted they are not. Another member commented that it would be a safety issue for low vision or blind customers to rely on decals.

A member commented this is not very different than the space on the platform behind the subway, where no subway car stops. There will be tactile warning tiles along the platform edge as well.

Service Planning Subcommittee (SPS)

Debbie Gillespie, SPS Chair, provided a summary of the SPS meeting held on September 15, 2025.

The TTC staff presented its 2026 Annual Network Plan, focusing on network improvements, customer experience, and modernization. Round One of consultations raised mixed feedback on route changes, while Round Two emphasized construction planning and an Express Network review. Members raised concerns about lack of operator input, disruptions from construction projects, and challenges with express bus reliability. Next steps include continued consultations in 2025, finalizing proposals, and submitting them to the TTC Board for approval.

SPS Meeting Highlights:

• 2026 Annual Network Plan
• SPS name change suggestions for September 2025 ACAT General meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for October 21, 2025.

Wheel-Trans Operations Subcommittee (WTOS)

Lauri Sue Robertson, WTOS Chair, gave a summary of the WTOS meeting held on September 10, 2025.

Marco Iorfida, Scheduling and Policy Specialist, gave an update on the stops and landmarks, specifically Line 5 and Line 6, which are being reviewed by supervisors and recommendations sent to Craig Nicol and Angela Marley to use for the station descriptions on the website. The Murray Street stop has resumed at the Toronto Rehab Hospital after completion of construction and the Sunnybrook Wheel-Trans stop has been moved to the conventional bus stop while ongoing construction happens at their parking garage. Levenson Lincoln provided the statistics on the complaints revieew and Ross Visconti confirmed the Access newsletter had been sent out. He reminded members of the upcoming TTC Public Forum on Accessible Transit on October 20, 2025 at the MaRS Discovery Auditorium.

WTOS Meeting Highlights:

• Updates to stops and landmarks for Line 5 and Line 6.
• Newsletter distribution completed.

The next meeting is scheduled for October 8, 2025.

Questions and Comments from the Committee

A member commented the Wheel-Trans stop information for the Line 5 stations has still not been received and therefore the station descriptions are no complete. Staff confirmed they are working on this.

13. Other/New Business

a. SPS Renaming

Jeff Short, Senior Planner, System Accessibility, gave a summary of the recent ACAT discussions and read out the proposed motion.

Motion to approve the renaming of the Service Planning Subcommittee (SPS) to the Strategy and Planning Subcommittee (SPS), to better reflect the broad range of topics discussed within the Subcommittee.
Moved by: Karen Mootoo
Seconded: Debbie Gillespie
Carried: Unanimously approved.

b. Public Forum Survey

Angela Marley pointed out that the registration page for the TTC’s Annual Public Forum on Accessible Transit has a survey again this year, which was not appropriate as it seemed directed at someone applying for TTC employment. Jeff Short notified the organizers and they have removed it. The TTC would make sure this does not appear again next year.

c. Safety

A member brought up the media impression being highlighted is lack of safety on the TTC and asked what staff is doing to counteract the impression. Cameron Penman suggested someone from that department should be invited to the next ACAT General meeting to provide an update on some of the initiatives.

d. Weekend Closures

A member noted that recently both Line 1 and Line 2 have had weekend closures, which didn’t happen in the past and wondered at the reasoning. Staff would take this back and update in October.

14. Next Meeting

Next ACAT General Meeting: Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.

15. Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 3:12 p.m. on a motion by Mei Hung.

Cindy Edwards
Recording Secretary