Short Turns

Sherbourne cycle track dedicated to Vice-Chair Heisey

October 2019

In September, Commissioners congratulated TTC Vice-Chair Alan Heisey who had the Sherbourne cycle track dedicated in his honour. Heisey is an avid cyclist who has played an important role in the conception of separated cycle tracks on Richmond, Adelaide and Sherbourne streets. The track along Sherbourne runs from Elm Avenue to Lake Shore Boulevard East and opened as Toronto’s first separated bike lane in 2013. Heisey has served on the TTC Board since 2012, and has chaired both the police and parking authority boards. Photo, from left: Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong, Councillor James Pasternak and Heisey.

Transit Responsibilities Review Between The City & The Province

June 2019

City Planning staff is conducting customer awareness and consultation on Transit Implementation in the subway system. The Province introduced Bill 107: Getting Ontario Moving Act, which enables a series of changes to how transit is planned, designed and delivered in Toronto. More changes are expected later this year and in 2020. The City and Province are currently conducting a joint review of transit responsibilities. More information about the public consultation and survey is available at the City of Toronto website.  

June 3, 2019
Stations: Queen | Sheppard-Yonge | Kipling | Kennedy
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
June 6, 2019
Stations: Bloor-Yonge | Eglinton West | Eglinton | Scarborough Town Centre
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
June 11, 2019
Stations: Kipling | Eglinton West
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
June 12, 2019
Stations: Queen
Time: 12 noon to 2 p.m.
June 18, 2019
Stations: Sheppard-Yonge | Eglinton
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
June 21, 2019
Stations: Scarborough Centre | Kennedy
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
June 24, 2019
Stations: Bloor-Yonge | Osgoode
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
June 26, 2019
Stations: Bloor-Yonge | Osgoode
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Introducing the TTC Love Bus

June 2019

To kick-off Pride month the TTC debuted its Pride bus at Toronto City Hall’s Rainbow and Transgender Flag Ceremony. The bus has been specially wrapped with the Pride flag and includes the slogan “love drives us all” and hashtag #TTClovebus. The Pride bus will run on the 94 Wellesley route through the month of June. It will join the Pride Parade, along with TTC employees and their families and friends on Sun., June 23.

People on the move

April 2019

Service Delivery Group: Dwayne Geddes was appointed Head of Wheel-Trans (acting) effective March 30, 2019.
Plant Maintenance: Milan Vignjevic was appointed Manager – Communications Engineering effective April 1, 2019.
Plant Maintenance: Raheem Khamisa was appointed Manager – Project Office effective April 1, 2019.
Plant Maintenance: Bill Mylonas was appointed Foreperson – Wiring and Service Section effective April 14, 2019.
Plant Maintenance: David Hache was appointed Foreperson – Wiring and Service Section effective April 14, 2019.

Attention employees and pensioners

February 2019

TTC Health and Wellness would like you to know that Green Shield Canada Change4Life is holding a Health Risk Assessment Contest. When you complete the Health Risk Assessment on Green Shield’s Change4Life platform between January and February 24 you will be entered into a random weekly draw to win one of 150+ gift cards between $10 and $250 in value. To participate please visit: www.greenshield.ca, sign in or register, and once logged on click on Change4Life to enter the platform for the Health Risk Assessment and the contest.

Subway riders on Line 1 with Maple Leafs

February 2019

Auston Matthews and Frederik Andersen exit at Osgoode Station on their way to morning practice at Toronto City Hall on Feb. 7. Subway riders found themselves sitting beside and taking selfies with the Toronto Maple Leafs, in full uniform, as they took the train from Union Station to Osgoode to attend an outdoor practice at Nathan Phillips Square.

People on the move

January 2019

Customer Communications: Deborah Brown was appointed Head of the Customer Communications Department, effective January 4, 2019.
Service Delivery Group: Alan Cakebread was appointed Head of the Transit Enforcement Department, effective January 7, 2019.
Operations Group: Andrew Dixon was appointed Head of Transit Control (acting), effective January 13, 2019.
ATC Team: Michael Hazlett was appointed Operations Integration Specialist, effective January 13, 2019.

Customer Service Agents move into Yorkdale, Lawrence West

January 2019

Starting Jan. 6, Yorkdale and Lawrence West stations will be staffed with Customer Service Agents instead of Collectors. Customers can pay their fare with PRESTO cards as well as tickets, tokens or exact cash. The other stations staffed by Customer Service Agents are: Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, Highway 407, Pioneer Village, York University, Finch West, Downsview Park, Sheppard West and Wilson.

The TTC Board approved the Stations Transformation Program in 2016. In-station transition will also see Collector booth conversions, public information hubs, full-service fare-vending machines, upgraded fare lines and additional closed-circuit television cameras.

The TTC will stop selling tickets and tokens on Aug. 3. TTC tokens and tickets will no longer be accepted at the end of 2019.

Relief Line Study: preliminary field testing along approved alignment

October 2018

The Engineering Department is undertaking ground samples along the alignment for the Relief Line. Preliminary field testing involves drilling and collecting core samples in advance of the planning and design phase of the Relief Line. The Relief Line will connect Line 1 Yonge-University (downtown) to Line 2 Bloor-Danforth, east of the Don River. This line will relieve crowding on Line 1, at Bloor-Yonge Station, and on the surface transit routes coming in and out of downtown.

Some testing is scheduled until November. Locations include:
> Queen Street and Sherbourne Street.
> Bayview Avenue and Lauren Harris Square.
> Sunlight Park Road.
> Lewis Street, north of Eastern Avenue.
> Pape Avenue, north of Danforth Avenue, near Pape Station.
> 302 Carlaw Ave.
> 335 Carlaw Ave.
> Pape Avenue, south of Selkirk Street.
> Pape Avenue, north of Gertrude Place.
> Dingwall Avenue, east of Pape Avenue.

New TTC fare products available on PRESTO

October 2018

The Post-Secondary Monthly Pass is now available on PRESTO for post-secondary students enrolled full-time in a qualifying institution. All post-secondary students require a TTC photo ID to set their fare type, purchase their pass and use it on the system.

Also starting on Oct. 24, PRESTO customers who use the five Downtown Express bus routes can purchase and affix a sticker to the bottom left corner of their cards to pay for the second portion of the double fare. This sticker was previously only available to Metropass customers. PRESTO continues to work on a technical solution for the Downtown Express service that will negate the need for a sticker.

The TTC is discontinuing Metropasses as of Dec. 31, 2018. For November and December, Metropasses will be available for purchase at collector booths and participating TTC fare agents.

TTC/United Way underway!

September 2018

The TTC/United Way Campaign kicked off at Hillcrest in September. The generous contributions by employees go a long way to support the social fabric that ties the city together. Whether it’s through payroll deduction or participation in fundraising events, employees give what they can each year at this time to create lasting, positive change. The 2018 fundraising goal is $700,000.

Chester Station easier access and second exit

August 2018

Construction of easier access elevators at Chester Station is scheduled to get underway in August. Two new elevators will be constructed on the west side of the main station. A second exit will also be built. Access to the main entrance at Chester will be maintained during construction. Elevator construction continues at Royal York, St Patrick, Dupont, Yorkdale and Wellesley stations. Elevators at St Patrick are scheduled for completion by year’s end.

Corporate Notice: Collective Bargaining Update #5

May 10, 2018

On May 9, the TTC and ATU Local 113 met in the presence of a Ministry of Labour-appointed conciliator at the bargaining table. The conciliator explained their role and the process to the parties. Since the union tabled the last set of proposals, the TTC provided a response at the bargaining table in the usual course and as previously committed. Overall, the investment – or cost of the contract – the TTC was proposing to the ATU over a four-year term was $160 million.

The TTC’s package was 29 pages of proposals, including detailed language of amendments to the existing collective agreement. This package contained a variety of items, including wage increases consistent with those received by the City of Toronto in their last round of bargaining and with two other recently negotiated TTC contracts, as well as the arbitrated contract between ATU Local 113 and the TTC for Customer Service Centre employees.  Small cost containment measures on benefits were tabled to help offset these increases, but also some benefit enhancements for employees. Nothing in the package would have eliminated an existing benefit entitlement. The TTC’s package included:
> Increases to shift premium and skilled trade premium.
> Increases to boot and clothing vouchers.
> Increased pay for accident reports.
> Increased divisional trainer premium.
> Pay for Bus Operators’ medical and licensing fees.
> Increased report time on crews running out of garages.

The TTC tabled various operational proposals covering both maintenance and transportation employees, some to benefit TTC and some to benefit employees. The primary goal of these operational proposals were to achieve efficiencies in order to help defray costs associated with the improvements provided for in the collective agreement.

The TTC also tabled a revised short-term disability plan that would simplify the application process for benefits by not requiring employees to attend a doctor’s office for their first three absences, as well as increasing the level of coverage for a sick day from 75 per cent to 100 per cent for the first five days of absence. As is the case in most collective bargaining, the TTC dropped many of its earlier proposals in an effort to obtain a settlement. The TTC did not table any language – and never has – to reduce or impact the existing job security provisions in the collective agreement.

When the TTC reviewed this package with the union we were clear that this was not the employer’s final offer. The TTC was hoping to receive a counter proposal from the union and, with the assistance of the conciliator, move towards a final deal that was mutually acceptable. Within approximately 30 minutes of receiving the package the union returned to the bargaining table and asked for a “no board” report from the conciliator so that the parties could proceed to interest arbitration. No counter proposals were made by the union in response to any items in the employer’s package.

The TTC is disappointed in this latest development. We are confident that the best collective agreement for everyone is one that is bargained jointly at the table following an extensive discussion and exchange of proposals. The parties will now prepare for interest arbitration where a third party will decide on what the next contract contains.

All updates on the Collective Bargaining process can always be found at www.ttc.ca/Bargaining2018.

Corporate Notice: Collective Bargaining Update #4

April 23, 2018

Last week, we advised you that the TTC has applied to the Ministry of Labour for conciliation, which simply means we have requested the assistance of a third party to reach a collective agreement with Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 113.

Since that time, the union has made statements that are not true.

The TTC has an obligation to ensure all TTC employees – and the public who fund the TTC – have accurate information about collective bargaining, but more importantly, what the TTC has proposed.

We have provided a comprehensive update on the Collective Bargaining info page at www.ttc.ca/Bargaining2018.

Given the misinformation on the state of bargaining, it is important that we set the record straight and share with you our goals for collective bargaining, including some examples of the proposals we have tabled.

The TTC is committed to a fair and affordable contract. It is also committed to ensuring you have accurate and timely information about the state of negotiations between your union and your employer.

April 12 is Jersey Day

Jersey Day – Support for the Humboldt Broncos
TTC employees can wear sports jerseys tomorrow, April 12

We have all been deeply saddened by the bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos Canadian junior hockey team in Saskatchewan last week.

In a show of support for the families, athletes and all those touched by this tragedy, TTC employees may participate in the “Jersey Day” of support tomorrow, April 12, 2018.

Who can participate?
All TTC employees, with the exception of frontline Supervisors, Special Constables and Fare Inspectors (green ribbons may be worn instead).

What can we wear?
Eligible employees can wear a jersey to work – this can be a hockey jersey or any other sports jersey.

Uniformed employees must wear their TTC uniforms beneath the jersey. If there is an emergency, you must remove your jersey and show your uniform in an effort to assist customers.

How else can I help?
You can donate to the Humboldt Broncos GoFundMe campaign to help raise money for the players and families affected.

For more information about Jersey Day, visit the event’s Facebook page or follow #jerseysforhumboldt on Twitter and Instagram.

People on the move

April 2018

Corporate Services Group: Dan Wright was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Corporate Services Group, effective April 16, 2018.
Transit Enforcement: Marg Verbeek was appointed Emergency Planning Officer – Security, effective April 2, 2018.
IT Services: Ronnie Persad was appointed Director – Information Security Office, effective April, 1, 2018.

People on the move

March 2018

Bus Maintenance and Shops: Bruce Peters was appointed Senior Manager – Garages/Shops, effective March 4, 2018.

Reminder: Federal government change means transit pass tax credits are limited

February 2018

The TTC is reminding customers that due to changes introduced by the Federal Government last year, transit pass tax credits are only applicable to Adult Metropasses for the first half of 2017. The credit is not available for passes after June 30, 2017. The Federal program has been cancelled for 2018 and beyond. Seniors passes will remain eligible for a full year credit under a Provincial Government program. Information is available at https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-seniors-public-transit-tax-credit.

For customers who participate in the Metropass Discount Plan (MDP) program, the TTC has issued receipts for the cost of the January to June passes. For customers who purchase Metropasses or other passes on a period-by-period basis, the pass serves as a receipt for tax purposes. Customers seeking information about this change are advised to contact the Canada Revenue Agency. More information available at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/programs/about-canada-revenue-agency-cra/federal-government-budgets/budget-2017-building-a-strong-middle-class/public-transit-tax-credit.html.

People on the move

February 2018

Service Delivery Group: Paul Lopes was appointed Acting Head of Stations, effective January 28, 2018.
IT Services: Michael Moreira was appointed Senior Director – SAP Program Delivery, effective January 24, 2018.
Wheel-Trans: Dean Milton was appointed Manager of Strategic Initiatives, effective January 14, 2018.

Spot the art on the TTC

January 2018

From now until May, TTC customers will notice something different about two low-floor streetcars and two downtown subway stations. In anticipation of internationally renowned artist Yayoi Kusama’s upcoming exhibit, Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), parts of the system are being taken over by polka dots.

The TTC is surprising and delighting customers and Torontonians with a sneak peek of Kusama’s iconic dots in few-of-a-kind installations designed by the artist especially for the TTC. Customers travelling through Spadina and St Patrick stations or on one of the specially wrapped low-floor streetcars will be treated to the preview and encouraged to share some “spots” with their fellow riders.

The AGO exhibit – the artist’s only Canadian showing – will run from March 3 to May 27, 2018 and will feature the North American debut of numerous new works by the 88-year-old Japanese artist. The TTC is proud to partner with the AGO on this highly anticipated event to bring Torontonians an exclusive, immersive experience.