Toronto's entertainment leaders ensure free TTC service this New Year's

New Year’s revelers returning home on January 1 will ride the TTC free between 12:01 a.m. and 4 a.m., the Toronto Transit Commission and Liberty Entertainment Group announced today.

Toronto Mayor David Miller, TTC Chair Adam Giambrone, and Nick Di Donato, president and CEO of Liberty Entertainment Group were on-hand to announce a coalition of leaders in the entertainment industry – the Toronto Entertainment Alliance – have raised the necessary funds to ensure free TTC service for people celebrating this New Year’s Eve.

“I am proud of the leadership and partnership the Toronto Entertainment Alliance has shown in coming together to preserve this important service," said Mayor David Miller. "Their invaluable contributions will ensure tens of thousands of Torontonians are able to enjoy a happy and safe New Year's Eve.”

“On behalf of the TTC and its riders, I would like to thank the Toronto Entertainment Alliance for providing this important service that will make New Year’s celebrations safer and more accessible for everyone,” said TTC Chair Adam Giambrone.

“After a night of celebration, it is our aim to help ensure our patrons arrive home safely,” said Nick Di Donato President & CEO, Liberty Entertainment Group. “Our customers’ well-being is always our number one priority. This initiative will make their trip home easy and safe, by providing them with complimentary TTC service. Our hope is that this initiative will continue for many future New Year’s Eve celebrations.”

About 100,000 people are expected to take advantage of this fare-free service on January 1, 2009. Approximately $90,000 was required to off-set the TTC’s loss of revenue. The Toronto Entertainment Alliance came together under Mr. Di Donato’s leadership to ensure TTC customers make it home safely this year, whether by subway, bus, streetcar or Wheel-Trans.

All TTC subway, bus and streetcar routes will operate until 4 a.m. Wheel-Trans will operate until 3 a.m. The TTC’s Blue Night network will operate after 4 a.m. until regular subway service resumes at 9 a.m.

The initiatives website can be viewed at: www.torontoentalliance.com

The Toronto Transit Commission moves 465 million people every year – about 1.6 million riders every weekday. The TTC is the third largest public transit system in North America servicing some 4.5 million people in the Greater Toronto Area, with a network of subways, streetcars, buses, and a specialized service, Wheel-Trans, for people who require accessible transportation. The TTC is committed to meeting the growing needs of the region with subway and light rail expansion, carrying an additional 175 million riders by 2021. For more information, visit www.ttc.ca

For over two decades, Liberty Entertainment Group has been redefining Toronto’s special event and nightlife experience. As creators of such landmark establishments as: Liberty Grand, Rosewater Supper Club, Spice Route, Rosewater Room, C Lounge, Courthouse, Phoenix and Tattoo Rock Parlour to name a few, Liberty Entertainment Group has become recognized as one of the most successful and innovative companies in the industry www.libertygroup.com.

Backgrounder

Sponsors for the 2009 TTC New Year’s service

Platinum Supporters

• Molson
• Labatt                                                 

Gold Supporters

• Liberty Entertainment Group
• The Keg Restaurants
• Charlton Hobbs
• INK
• The Firkin Group of Pubs
• Uniq
• Prime Restaurants 

City Supporters

• Visual Touch
• clubculture.com
• Circa 
• Barmetrix
• Sleeman
• streets.to
• Century Room
• Chess Special Risk
• Sysco
• The Butcher Shoppe
• Profile Wine Group 

Supporters donating in-kind service:

Media Supporters

• Toronto Star
• NOW Magazine
• EYE Weekly
• FAB
• 104.5 CHUM FM

Print Supporter

• Digital Propoganda

Online Supporter

• WMedia