TTC to continue annual tradition of honouring Canadian veterans on Remembrance Day
At 11 a.m. on Remembrance Day, Wed., Nov. 11, the TTC will honour Canada’s fallen by bringing all of its vehicles to a standstill for two minutes.
All subway trains will be held at station platforms. Bus and streetcar operators will stop their vehicles at a regular service stop prior to 11 a.m. and remain there for the duration of the pause. Wheel-Trans vehicles will also be brought to a stop at a safe location.
The following announcement will be made to alert customers of the reason for the temporary break in service: “The TTC will now observe a two-minute pause in service to reflect on the sacrifices for peace made by Canadians.” All service will resume immediately following two minutes of silence.
“Although, this year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies will be done differently, it is important that we find ways to properly honour the Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice. I want to thank the TTC for continuing this long-standing tradition of pausing the transit system at 11 a.m. to remember our veterans. I hope all residents will pause at 11 a.m. on Remembrance Day to remember all of the men and women who answered the call both abroad and on the home front, and to reflect on the freedom and peace we enjoy every day,” said Mayor John Tory.
“We are deeply privileged to live in this great country and the TTC is proud to honour the courage and sacrifices of our veterans,” said TTC Chair Jaye Robinson. “This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The names of the more than 600 TTC workers who enlisted for service are commemorated on the TTC’s official Honour Rolls – including a dozen tragically killed in action.”
Current and former members of Canada’s military can ride the TTC for free on Remembrance Day. War and peacekeeping veterans may be required to show their service medals/ribbons to receive free access to all TTC vehicles. One companion will also be allowed to ride the TTC free of charge. TTC buses and streetcars will also carry a sign reading ‘Lest We Forget’, and a special message will run on all subway platform screens.
“The TTC has a long and proud tradition of supporting the Royal Canadian Legion’s annual poppy drive. Sadly, this year, the global pandemic means our veterans will not be in our subway stations to sell poppies,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary. “I strongly encourage everyone who can to visit the Legion’s website at www.legion.ca for other ways to show your support for our veterans.”
TTC service will otherwise operate on a normal Wednesday schedule. Customers are encouraged to visit ttc.ca and follow @TTCNotices on Twitter for the most up-to-date service information.