Toronto Transit Commission

Last updated

Toronto Transit Commission
TTC.svg
Montage of TTC 3.jpg
From top, clockwise: York University station, an S-series rapid transit train, a Nova Bus bus, wall tile signage at Eglinton station featuring the Toronto Subway typeface, a Flexity Outlook streetcar, and a Toronto Rocket subway train
Overview
Owner City of Toronto
Locale Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, Markham
Transit type Bus, subway, streetcar
Number of lines 191 bus routes
3 subway lines
11 streetcar routes
Number of stations 70 in use
68 under construction
Daily ridership2,483,800 (weekdays, Q4 2023) [1]
Annual ridership736,712,000 (2023) [2]
Key people
Headquarters William McBrien Building
1900 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Website ttc.ca
Operation
Began operationSeptember 1, 1921;102 years ago (September 1, 1921)
Number of vehicles2,100 buses, 848 rapid transit cars, 204 streetcars, 214 Wheel-Trans buses [4]
Technical
Track gauge
  • 4 ft 10+78 in (1,495 mm) Toronto gauge (subway, streetcar)
  • 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge (future LRT lines)

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is the public transport agency that operates bus, subway, streetcar, and paratransit services in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, some of which run into the Peel Region and York Region. It is the oldest and largest of the urban transit service providers in the Greater Toronto Area, with numerous connections to systems serving its surrounding municipalities.

Contents

Established as the Toronto Transportation Commission in 1921, the TTC owns and operates three rapid transit lines with 70 stations, over 150 bus routes, and 9 streetcar lines. In 2023, the system had a ridership of 736,712,000, or about 2,483,800 per weekday as of the fourth quarter of 2023. The TTC is the most heavily used urban mass transit system in Canada.

History

Two buses used by the TTC, 1936. The left bus was used by the agency's intercity bus line, whereas the right was used for local bus routes. CNE Automotive Building TTC Exhibit 1936.jpg
Two buses used by the TTC, 1936. The left bus was used by the agency's intercity bus line, whereas the right was used for local bus routes.

Public transit in Toronto started in 1849 with a privately operated transit service. In later years, the city operated some routes, but in 1921 assumed control over all routes and formed the Toronto Transportation Commission to operate them. During this period, streetcars provided the bulk of the service. In 1954, the TTC adopted its present name, opened the first subway line, and greatly expanded its service area to cover the newly formed municipality of Metropolitan Toronto (which eventually amalgamated into the present City of Toronto). The system has evolved to feature a wide network of surface routes with the subway lines as the backbone. On February 17, 2008, the TTC made many service improvements, reversing more than a decade of service reductions and only minor improvements. [5]

In addition to buses, streetcars, and subways, the TTC also operated the Toronto Island ferry service from 1927 to 1962, when it was transferred to the Metro Parks and Culture department (now Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation). The TTC also operated a suburban and regional intercity bus operator, Gray Coach Lines, from 1927 to 1990. Gray Coach used interurban coaches to link Toronto to points throughout southern Ontario. In addition, Gray Coach operated tour buses in association with Gray Line Tours. The main terminal was the Metropolitan Toronto Bus Terminal on Elizabeth Street north of Dundas Street, downtown. In 1954, Gray Coach expanded further when it acquired suburban routes from independent bus operators not merged with the TTC as it expanded to cover Metro Toronto. By the 1980s, Gray Coach faced fierce competition in the interurban service in the GTA. The TTC sold Gray Coach Lines in 1990 to Stagecoach Holdings, which split the operation between Greyhound Canada and the government of Ontario three years later.

The TTC's slogan, "Ride the Rocket," originates from the red-painted G-series trains that were in service from 1954 to 1990. The Red Rocket (1).jpg
The TTC's slogan, "Ride the Rocket," originates from the red-painted G-series trains that were in service from 1954 to 1990.

The Gloucester subway cars, the first version of TTC subway cars, known as "red rockets" because of their bright red exterior, have been retired. The current T-series trains also have a red interior color scheme. The name lives on as the TTC uses the phrase to advertise the service, such as "Ride the Rocket" in advertising material, "Rocket" in the names of some express buses, and the new "Toronto Rocket" subway cars, which began revenue operation on July 21, 2011. [6] Another common slogan is "The Better Way".

Finances

The TTC recovered 69.6 percent of its operating costs from the fare box in 2017. [7] From its creation in 1921 until 1971, the TTC was self-supporting both for capital and operations (it had to pay property taxes until 1967). Through the Great Depression and World War II, it accumulated reserves that allowed it to expand considerably after the war, both with subways and major steady growth of its bus services into the suburbs. It was not until 1971 that the Metro Toronto government and the province started to provide operational funding, required primarily due to rising costs of delivering transit to low-density suburbs in Metro Toronto and large wage increases.[ citation needed ] Deficits and government funding soared throughout the 1970s and 1980s, [8] followed by service cuts and a period of ridership decline in the 1990s, partly attributable to recession.

In 1997, the Progressive Conservative government under Premier Mike Harris implemented the "Common Sense Revolution" which, among other things, cut CA$42 million in provincial financing support for the Eglinton West subway line, and cut $718 million in municipal transit support, placing the entire burden of financing the system on municipalities and leaving the TTC with a $95.8 million/year funding shortfall. [9] The TTC cut back service with a significant curtailment put into effect on February 18, 1996. Since then, the TTC has consistently been in financial difficulties. Service cuts were averted in 2007, though, when Toronto City Council voted to introduce new taxes to help pay for city services, including the TTC. As a result, since 2011, the TTC became the largest transit operator in Anglo-America not to receive provincial or state funding. [10] The TTC has received federal funding for capital projects from as early as 2009. [11] The TTC is also considered one of the costliest transit systems per fare price in North America. [12] For the 2011 operating year, the TTC had a projected operating budget of $1.45 billion. Revenue from fares covered approximately 70 percent of the budget, whereas the remaining 30 percent originated from the City. From 2009 through 2011, provincial and federal funding amounted to 0 percent of the budget. [13] In contrast to this, the Société de transport de Montréal receives approximately 10 percent of its operating budget from the Quebec provincial government, [14] and OC Transpo receives 9 percent of its funding from the province. [15] The fairness of preferentially funding transit in specific Canadian cities has been questioned by citizens. [16]

On August 12, 2020, the Province of Ontario promised $404 million for TTC operations to compensate for reduced ridership and revenue loss during the COVID-19 pandemic, with more funding to come later. The TTC projected a shortfall of $700 million in 2020. [17]

Operations

Buses

A passenger boards an Orion VII bus owned and operated by the TTC in Pearson Airport. The TTC operates the third-largest fleet of buses in North America. Ttc-300B-pearson.jpg
A passenger boards an Orion VII bus owned and operated by the TTC in Pearson Airport. The TTC operates the third-largest fleet of buses in North America.

Buses are a large part of TTC operations today. However, before about 1960, they played a minor role compared to streetcars. Buses began to operate in the city in 1921, and became necessary for areas without streetcar service. After an earlier experiment in the 1920s, trolley buses were used on a number of routes starting in 1947, but all trolley bus routes were converted to bus operation between 1991 and 1993. The TTC always used the term "trolley coach" to refer to its trackless electric vehicles. Hundreds of old buses have been replaced with the low-floor Orion VII, and the TTC has acquired many hybrid electric buses. The TTC's hybrid buses were first put on the road in 2006; [18] these were followed by the newer 500 Orion VII Next Generation Hybrids in 2008. [19] [20] A new order brought the total number of hybrids to over 500, second only to New York City. Older TTC Orion VIIs from 2001 to 2006 feature the standard "breadbox" style, whereas newer buses, from 2007 onwards, feature Orion's new, more stylish body. [21] With a total of 2,031 buses, the TTC is the third-largest transit bus operator in North America, behind the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York City (more than 5,600) and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (2,911).

The TTC also runs Wheel-Trans, a paratransit service for the physically disabled with special low-floor buses designed to accommodate wheelchairs and to make boarding easier for ambulatory customers with limited mobility.

The TTC ordered 153 articulated buses with all newly ordered buses in service by January 2015. [22] [23] At 18 metres (60 ft) long, the Nova LFS Artics hold about 112 passengers, compared with 65 on a standard 12-metre (40 ft) bus. [24]

Subway

A Toronto Rocket subway train arrives at Museum station. The station is one of 70 operated along three different subway lines. Museum TTC 20806772132.jpg
A Toronto Rocket subway train arrives at Museum station. The station is one of 70 operated along three different subway lines.

The Toronto subway system consists of three lines:

From 1985 until 2023 Line 3 Scarborough, a partly elevated light metro line served the district of Scarborough.

The three subway lines are served by 678 cars grouped in trains of four cars on Line 4 Sheppard, and six cars on Line 1 Yonge–University and Line 2 Bloor–Danforth. The three subway lines share non-revenue track connections and use the same technology. The rolling stock in use consists of the Toronto Rocket trains on Lines 1 and 4 and the T-series trains on Line 2. Line 3 Scarborough had a fleet of 28 S-series cars grouped into trains of four cars each and was not compatible with other subway lines, given that the S-series cars used 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge . It shared no track connections or equipment. Due to the increasing difficulty of performing critical maintenance work on the S-series trains, the existing Line 3 Scarborough service was initially scheduled to be decommissioned permanently in November 2023; instead, the line closed four months ahead of schedule after a derailment on July 24, 2023. The line has been replaced by TTC bus service until the Line 2 Scarborough subway extension to Sheppard and McCowan opens for revenue service in 2030 at the earliest. [26]

All subway lines provide service seven days a week from approximately 5:45 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. the following day (last train runs at approximately 1:45 a.m. in each direction) except for Sundays, when start of service is delayed until approximately 8:00 a.m. During the overnight periods, the subway and its stations are closed to enable maintenance at track level and in the stations themselves. Overnight service is provided by buses and streetcars operating above ground. These overnight routes are issued numbers in the 300-series and are referred to as Blue Night routes, indicated by a typical TTC bus stop sign with a blue band added.

Projects under construction

Line 5 Eglinton's Science Centre station under construction in 2020 Science Centre station main entrance (2020-06).jpg
Line 5 Eglinton's Science Centre station under construction in 2020

Line 5 Eglinton, which uses light rail vehicles, is under construction and scheduled to open for service in 2024. [27] It will run underground in the central part of the line from west of Keele Street to Laird Drive, with most of the remainder of the route travelling at grade, though Science Centre station will be underground. The full first phase of the route will span 19 kilometres (12 mi) across the city, from Mount Dennis in York to Kennedy station in Scarborough. [28]

Line 6 Finch West is an 11-kilometre (6.8 mi), 18-stop light rail line under construction, [29] extending west in a dedicated right-of-way lane from Finch West station on Line 1 Yonge–University to the Humber College's North Campus in Etobicoke. The line is forecast to provide approximately 14.6 million rides a year, or 40,000 a day, by 2031. It is scheduled for completion in 2024, with an estimated cost of $1.2 billion.

The Ontario Line, which is a rapid transit line and successor to the Relief Line, is expected to be completed by 2030. The Ontario government estimates the line's cost at $10.9 billion for the 15-kilometre (9.3 mi) stretch from Ontario Place to Don Mills Road and Eglinton Avenue East at Science Centre station (part of the under-construction Line 5). It is the largest single expansion in Toronto subway history. [30] [31]

The Line 2 Bloor–Danforth extension is a 7.8-kilometre (4.8 mi) subway extension, which will continue Line 2 east towards McCowan Road and north towards Scarborough City Centre and to a new terminal at the intersection of McCowan Road and Sheppard Avenue. The $5.5-billion extension will replace the defunct Line 3 Scarborough and is expected to be complete in 2030 at the earliest. [30]

The Eglinton Crosstown West extension will extend the under-construction Line 5 Eglinton west to Renforth station and Pearson International Airport by 2030 or 2031. The line will travel through all six of Toronto's districts that were amalgamated in 1998 and bring the subway to Mississauga. [32]

Future plans

There is currently one priority TTC expansion plan: [33]

  • The Yonge North subway extension is an extension of Line 1 Yonge–University proposed by the government of Ontario, nearly identical to the existing planned Yonge Subway Extension proposed by the City of Toronto, Metrolinx, and York Region. It would extend Line 1 into Richmond Hill in York Region. The 7.4-kilometre (4.6 mi) line would travel north from Finch station to Richmond Hill Centre Terminal at Highway 7 and Yonge Street. The estimated cost for the project is $5.4 billion, and it is projected to open after the Ontario Line has been completed. [30] [34]

There are plans, still under development, for an eastward extension of Line 5 to the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, [35] though this has since been replaced with the Eglinton East line. There is also potential for an eastward subway extension of Line 4 Sheppard, to replace the former Sheppard East LRT project, that would connect with the Line 2 Bloor–Danforth extension at McCowan Road and Sheppard Avenue.

Streetcars

A CLRV serving the 512 St. Clair streetcar route departs eastbound from Avenue Road toward St. Clair station along its private right-of-way along St. Clair Avenue in 2008. 512 ROW at Avenue.jpg
A CLRV serving the 512 St. Clair streetcar route departs eastbound from Avenue Road toward St. Clair station along its private right-of-way along St. Clair Avenue in 2008.
An ALRV (left) and Flexity Outlook (right) at Spadina Avenue and King Street in 2016 New Flexity LR vehicles approach Spadina and King, 2016 07 21 (16).JPG - panoramio.jpg
An ALRV (left) and Flexity Outlook (right) at Spadina Avenue and King Street in 2016

Toronto's streetcar system is one of the few in North America still operating along street-running tracks. It has been operating since the mid-19th century. Horsecar service started in 1861, and 600 V DC overhead electric service began in 1892. New TTC routes since the 1940s have generally been operated by other modes of transportation, and the less busy streetcar routes have also been converted. Streetcar routes are now focused on the downtown area, although two run farther from the core: one being on St. Clair Avenue, 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from Lake Ontario on average, served by the 512 St. Clair streetcar route, and another on Lake Shore Boulevard (the western portion of 501 Queen), which runs through the Etobicoke district nearly to the city limits with Mississauga at Etobicoke Creek.

Up until 1995, the TTC operated a fleet of 765 PCC-type streetcars, 540 of which it purchased new. The rest were purchased as other cities sold their PCC streetcar fleets.

From 1987 until September 2019, the TTC operated two-car Articulated Light Rail Vehicle (ALRV) streetcars, a longer version of the Canadian Light Rail Vehicle (CLRV) streetcars.

Following the retirement of the TTC's CLRV streetcars on December 29, 2019, the entire TTC streetcar fleet consists of the low-floor Flexity Outlook vehicles from Bombardier Transportation, the first of which entered service on the 510 Spadina route on August 31, 2014. [36]

Services

Fares

Legacy fare media, such as the Toronto Transit Commission single-ride token (showing the obverse and reverse), are being phased out in favour of Presto fare media Toronto Transit Commission Token-2007.jpg
Legacy fare media, such as the Toronto Transit Commission single-ride token (showing the obverse and reverse), are being phased out in favour of Presto fare media

Since March 1, 2015, children 12 and under have been able to ride the TTC for free year-round. As of August 15, 2023, the TTC's fare payment system consists of cash fares, Presto cards and Presto tickets. Customers also have the option to pay the equailvent of the adult single-ride TTC Presto card fare prices by tapping a contactless credit or debit card on TTC Presto fare readers. Although legacy fare media products, such as concession tickets (for youths ages 13 to 19 and seniors 65 or older), tokens, and physical day passes (including weekend family and group day passes) are no longer available for the general public to purchase from the TTC, they are still accepted as valid fare payments. As of January 1, 2019, TTC monthly passes and the 12-month pass are only available on Presto, following the phase-out of the TTC's own monthly Metropass and the Metropass discount plan (MDP). Since April 3, 2023, the adult cash fare and single-ride Presto tickets has been $3.35 for a single trip. [37] [38] [39] [40] Since April 3, 2023, the cost of adult single fares using a Presto card has been $3.30. [37] The Fair Pass program allows those eligible for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or Ontario Works to receive a discount when using a Presto card. [41]

Paddle-style fare gates at Toronto subway stations are equipped with Presto readers, as seen in Victoria Park station. Victoria Park Station 49.jpg
Paddle-style fare gates at Toronto subway stations are equipped with Presto readers, as seen in Victoria Park station.

The Presto card is an electronic unified contactless smart card–based fare payment system, owned and managed by Metrolinx, for use across the TTC transit network, along with several other transit service providers throughout the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) including the Metrolinx-owned GO Transit, Union Pearson Express services and on OC Transpo in Ottawa. The TTC also provides limited-use paper Presto tickets, mainly for occasional riders, which come in 1-ride, 2-ride and day pass varieties. Users tap their Presto card or ticket on a Presto reader as they enter a TTC station or vehicle. Either their fare is automatically paid through stored value, verifies if the Presto user has a valid TTC transit pass on it, or validates the TTC's two-hour Presto transfer. Their card or ticket then acts as proof-of-payment (POP) to present to TTC staff such as fare inspectors, who carry hand-held devices to verify Presto fare payments, upon request. As of June 2018, Presto readers are available at the entrances of all subway stations and on all buses and streetcars. [42] [43]

Unlike the Presto card, Presto tickets can only be used on TTC services (subway and surface vehicles within the City of Toronto). They are not reloadable and cannot be used on any other transit service providers that use Presto.

Schedules and route information

On December 15, 2008, the TTC launched a new Next Vehicle Arrival System (NVAS) [44] to indicate the time of arrival of the next vehicle along a given route. All TTC streetcars have been upgraded with Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers and now operate with NVIS.

Real-time route information can be accessed from the Next Vehicle Arrival System (NVAS) from the City of Toronto Open Data initiative via SMS by texting the stop number displayed on the bus/streetcar stop pole, or with an app that uses NVAS data. [45]

Route information can also be accessed by phone. Individual route schedules are available online.

Additional TTC information is circulated by "What's On" and "Rocket Rider / TTC Customer News" pamphlets on some vehicles. Information can be accessed in person at the TTC head office (Davisville station at 1900 Yonge Street), as well as at a TTC Info Centre, which opened in 2018, at Union station. Twitter users can communicate with TTCHelps for inquiries. [46]

Some TTC shelters are equipped with displays that show when the next bus or streetcar will arrive, such as this one for 501 Queen. TTCStreetcarShelter.jpg
Some TTC shelters are equipped with displays that show when the next bus or streetcar will arrive, such as this one for 501 Queen.

Most subway stations are equipped with OneStop media screens that display the time until the next train, and other information. The next vehicle feature is available on LCD screens in all stations. Since mid-2011, all buses and streetcars have had the tracking feature enabled, accessible free online and by SMS for commuters. [47]

On February 3, 2010, the TTC launched an online trip planner, which allows commuters to plan their routes and transfers on the TTC's website. However, since its launch, the trip planner has remained in beta mode with many bugs remaining to be fixed. [48] In October 2010, the TTC integrated its trip planner with Google Maps. [49] Transit information in Toronto has been available in Apple Maps since the release of iOS 9 in September 2015, when Apple Inc. first launched support for public transit data. [50]

Connecting transit

Connecting GTA transit agencies

Union Station serves as an intermodal transportation hub for Toronto. TTC passengers may connect to intercity bus and rail services at this station. Union Station, Toronto (30427373561).jpg
Union Station serves as an intermodal transportation hub for Toronto. TTC passengers may connect to intercity bus and rail services at this station.

The TTC connects with other transit systems of the Greater Toronto Area. GO Transit, Union Pearson Express, MiWay, York Region Transit (YRT), (including Viva), Brampton Transit (including Züm), and Durham Region Transit (DRT) are connected to the TTC via some of Toronto's subway stations, GO Transit's commuter rail stations, and other hubs like Toronto Pearson International Airport. In addition to Union Station, there are 6 other stations where the TTC subway network and GO Transit commuter rail lines intersect. [51]

Some bus routes of the surrounding local transit agencies run on Toronto streets along with TTC buses, mainly to reach TTC subway stations. Examples of this include YRT buses travelling on Yonge Street en route to Finch Bus Terminal, MiWay buses travelling on various streets in Etobicoke en route to Kipling Bus Terminal and DRT buses travelling on various streets in Scarborough en route to Scarborough Centre station. However, by law, other local transit agencies are prohibited from carrying passengers wholly within the City of Toronto. Therefore, YRT, DRT and MiWay buses can only drop off passengers inbound and pick up passengers outbound while within the boundaries of Toronto.

Originally, there were no free transfers between suburban agencies (which still have separate fare structures) and the TTC. But on February 26, 2024, Ontario's One Fare Program, a GTA-wide fare integration program allowing free or discounted transfers between the TTC and other GTA transit systems (within either a two-hour or three-hour window), was implemented. [52] However, the policy only applies to fare payments made via Presto, credit, or debit cards that customers tap on a Presto fare device; customers paying by cash or Presto ticket are still required to pay a double fare. [53]

Connecting inter-city transit agencies

Via Rail and Amtrak connect with the TTC at Union Station, while Ontario Northland, Megabus, TOK Coachlines and US-bound Greyhound intercity coaches connect with the TTC at the Union Station, Scarborough Centre, Highway 407, and Yorkdale bus terminals.

Cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity

The communication system used by surface vehicles is called the Communications and Information System. [54] [55] It was piloted in the 1970s, implemented in 1991, and is now deployed on all TTC surface vehicles.

Subway wireless services

In August 2023, Rogers implemented 5G wireless service at all the TTC's downtown stations and within the tunnels between them. [56]

In September 2023, the federal government imposed new licence conditions requiring that cellphone and data services be available on the entire subway network by the end of 2026 and that all mobile wireless carriers, including Telus and Bell, have access to it. [56] As of September 2023, all downtown subway stations and some west end stations, as well as the tunnels connecting them, have Rogers 5G wireless service. The service is available to customers of Rogers and Freedom Mobile; however, customers of other carriers (such as Bell and Telus) can make 911 calls. [56] 5G wireless service is available between Bloor–Yonge and Dupont stations on Line 1, and between Castle Frank and Keele stations on Line 2. [57] The stations and tunnels between Vaughan Metropolitan Centre station and Sheppard West station on Line 1 have a non-5G service. [58]

The TTC offers Wi-Fi to connect to the Internet at all stations but not in tunnels; this service is ad-supported. [59]

Accessibility

The accessible area on a Toronto Rocket subway train feature automatic folding seats. TTCSubwaySeats3.jpg
The accessible area on a Toronto Rocket subway train feature automatic folding seats.

The Wheel-Trans door-to-door service has been available since the mid-1970s. Since the 1990s, the TTC has focused on providing accessible services on conventional bus routes, the RT and subway. 56 of the 75 stations on Lines 1, 2, and 3 are wheel-chair accessible are equipped with elevators, and all stations on Line 4 are fully accessible. In December 2011, all bus routes became accessible with the retirement of the commission's last inaccessible buses. [60] On August 31, 2014, the commission launched its new fleet of low-floor Bombardier's Flexity Outlook streetcars. With the decommissioning of the last of the commission's non-accessible high-floor CLRV vehicles on December 29, 2019, all TTC streetcar routes are now served by low-floor Flexity vehicles. [61]

As per Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) guidelines, all surface vehicles and subway trains have been equipped with the on-board Automatic Next Stop Announcement System since February 2008. It operates over speakers indicating the next stop. A digital orange LED destination sign on streetcars and buses as well as the Toronto Rocket subway trains display the name of the upcoming streets/stations as the vehicle progresses on its route. [62]

All TTC revenue service vehicles are equipped with external speakers that play automated announcements of the route and destination of vehicle travel. [63]

Infrastructure

Stations, stops and terminals

CLRV streetcar underground on the Union Station Loop Union TTC streetcar station.jpg
CLRV streetcar underground on the Union Station Loop

Most TTC surface routes terminate at loops, side streets, or subway stations. The TTC is one of the few mass transit systems in Canada where many surface routes can be accessed inside a paid-fare zone common to other routes or subway lines. This feature allows boarding via the back doors at terminals, reduces the usage of paper transfers, and the need of operators to check for proof-of-payment. However, if people are caught entering fare-paid terminals illegally from the street, they could be fined $500 for fare evasion. With the exception of Greenwood, High Park, Jane, Old Mill, and Runnymede, all subway stations' off-street terminals are within the fare-paid area.

A TTC bus stop pole in Mount Dennis TTC Bus Stop.jpg
A TTC bus stop pole in Mount Dennis

The shelters in the system are installed and maintained under contracts with Astral Media (later became a part of by Bell Media) (with CBS Outdoor since 2006 and previously Viacom Media) and Toronto Transportation Services. [64] Approximately 4,100 shelters are managed by Toronto Transportation. Some shelters are solar powered and include next vehicle arrival displays.

There are four versions of shelters found in the city: [65]

There are ten sets (men and women) of public washrooms located on the TTC system, all at subway stations that are major transfer points, at the ends of subway lines, or former ends of subway lines. [66] All (with the exception of Highway 407 and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre stations, which only connect with regional buses) are located within the fare paid area and thus available only to TTC passengers.

Headquarters and facilities

The TTC head office, the William McBrien Building, above Davisville station and next to Davisville Yard, a maintenance facility for subways Davisville TTC McBrien Building d81.JPG
The TTC head office, the William McBrien Building, above Davisville station and next to Davisville Yard, a maintenance facility for subways

TTC buses and streetcars are operated out of a number of garages and carhouses located around the city and are serviced at several other facilities. The surface routes are divided into several divisions. Individual divisions have a manager, an on-duty mobile supervisor, a CIS communications centre, and a garage facility tasked with managing the division's vehicle fleet and routes.

TTC Head Office is in the William McBrien Building, located at 1900 Yonge Street at Davisville Avenue, which opened in 1957. The Davisville station bus bay occupies part of the building's ground floor. The previous TTC Headquarters was at Yonge and Front Streets in the Toronto Board of Trade Building, which was later demolished.

There are plans to relocate the head office to a yet-to-be-built site at 4050 Yonge Street near York Mills Road. The site is a commuter parking lot with a TTC entrance to York Mills station. Build Toronto is charged with helping the commission relocate, but it is facing political opposition from many mayoral candidates. [67]

Commuter parking lots

The Toronto Parking Authority on behalf of the TTC operates 30 commuter parking lots, all at subway stations, with a total of 13,981 parking spaces. Effective April 1, 2009, it eliminated free parking for Metropass holders. All passengers using parking facilities during peak hours must now pay for the service. [68] The rates vary by location from $2.00 to $7.00 between 5:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on weekdays, with lots offering discounted or free parking at other times. [69] All TTC-owned lots are open (uncovered) parking lots; however, certain lots are located in covered garages, such as the Yorkdale lot, which is located in the namesake shopping centre's underground parking garage.

Safety

Safety programs

Safety features provided by the TTC include:

A designated waiting area (DWA) at Glencairn station. DWAs are well-lit waiting areas that are monitored, have intercoms, and are situated near the location where the guard car stops. Glencairn TTC DWA.JPG
A designated waiting area (DWA) at Glencairn station. DWAs are well-lit waiting areas that are monitored, have intercoms, and are situated near the location where the guard car stops.

In June 2011, the TTC announced a new suicide prevention program called "Crisis Link" aimed at people who are in a station and in immediate danger of performing self-harm. Special speed dial buttons have been installed on payphones in station Designated Waiting Areas that "link" the caller to a 24-hour crisis counselling service provided by Distress Centres of Toronto. Signage has also been placed in high-risk areas of the station platform directing those at risk to use the service. The program includes 141 speed dial buttons on the system's payphones and 200 posters placed on station platforms. [73]

ThisIsWhere initiative and SafeTTC mobile app

In September 2017, the TTC created an iOS/iPadOS and Android app called ThisIsWhere that allows users to report harassment and other personal safety incidents to the TTC. [74] [75] The name was later changed to "SafeTTC" and launched on September 6, 2017. [76]

Transit Enforcement Unit

Fare inspectors of the Transit Enforcement Unit board a Canadian Light Rail Vehicle TTC streetcar for inspection. TTC Fare Inspectors.jpg
Fare inspectors of the Transit Enforcement Unit board a Canadian Light Rail Vehicle TTC streetcar for inspection.

From 1997 to 2011, the TTC employed special constables, who were responsible for safety and security and had similar policing powers to Toronto Police Service officers. During the phase-out of the special constables, the Toronto Police reinstated its Transit Patrol Unit, which had been cancelled in the mid-1990s. The special constables were replaced by bylaw enforcement officers known as transit enforcement officers, as part of the TTC's Transit Enforcement Unit.

The negotiation between TTC and the Toronto Police Services Board took place in 2013 resulting in restored special constable status and peace officer authority.

There is a difference between special constables and fare inspectors. Fare inspectors have no authority to detain a person, and so it is possible to simply walk away with no repercussions. [77] In contrast, special constables have the same authority as police officers.

Bylaws enforced

The TTC's By-law No. 1 is a by-law governing the actions of passengers and employees while on Commission property. It can be enforced by a "proper authority" which is defined in the by-law as: "an employee or agent of the TTC wearing a TTC uniform; an employee or agent of the TTC carrying an identification card issued by the TTC; or a municipal police officer." [78] The by-law covers rules regarding fare payment and conduct while in the system. Effective October 12, 2009, a revised version of the by-law has been issued. Revisions include the restriction of placing feet or "any object that may soil" on seats, the prohibition against using offensive language (including via the user-generated displays at Pioneer Village station, which are part of the public art installation LightSpell, although the displays have not yet been activated), [79] and the provision that one must give up their seat to a person with a disability or pregnancy in priority seating areas.

Communications

The TTC uses three primary voice and data communication systems. The first is the system used by Operations, Security and Maintenance. This system operates on five UHF conventional frequencies. Channels 1, 3, 4 and 5 are used for day-to-day operations, while Channel 2 is reserved for the Wheel-Trans service.

The second system, the Communications and Information System (CIS), is used by buses and streetcars, and employs transmission facilities throughout the city. Conceived in the late 1970s and fully implemented in 1991, it consists of a computer unit on board each bus and streetcar, called the Transit Radio Unified Microprocessor (TRUMP). This is attached to a transponder receiver, which allows CIS operators to track the location of the vehicle using a computational system known as dead reckoning. The TRUMP unit also allows vehicle and CIS operators to send and receive text messages for such things as short turns and route adjustments. There is also the option of voice-based communication between the vehicle and CIS operators. With the introduction of NextBus technology to provide real-time arrival information, the CIS has been updated to use a combination of GPS data and the previous dead reckoning (signpost-based) system. In the event that internally managed TTC communications are unavailable, the TRUMP unit operates on Bell Mobility's CDMA network to communicate with divisional operations and transit control.

In 2012, the TTC began research into transitioning from the outdated and antiquated CIS to a newer computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system. Utilizing this technology would help improve headways, provide more reliable communications and allow divisional supervisors to locate vehicles in real time (the current GPS system only sends location updates every 20 seconds). Implementation of the system, later named the Vehicle Information System & Integrated Operations Network (VISION), began in 2016, [80] with the contract for associated equipment awarded to Clever Devices ULC. [81] After extensive testing, deployment of VISION on vehicles in revenue service began in the summer of 2018, with plans to fully equip the entire bus and streetcar fleet by 2019. [82]

The third system, known as the "wayside system", consists of UHF MPT-1327 Trunking radio sets used by the three heavy-rail subway lines. They replaced older devices which communicated by the third rail, and are divided into separate systems representing their respective subway lines. This trunking system allows Transit Control to communicate directly with a single train, a zone encompassing several trains, or the entire line. (Line 3 Scarborough uses a single channel UHF system, much the same as the system used by operations staff.)

All of these systems can be monitored by a scanner capable of the UHF Low band (406–430 MHz). [83] Numeric codes—often referring to people or positions (299 Bloor – Subway Line mechanic at Bloor)—are also announced through the radio and the overhead paging system. The TTC also has several "Plans" ("Plan A" through "Plan G") [84] that are used in emergencies but are not announced on the PA system and only referred to on the radio. [85]

OneStop media system

Large LCD television screens that display the news and updates for TTC services are installed in most subway stations, such as Vaughan Metropolitan Centre station. Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station (39176632581).jpg
Large LCD television screens that display the news and updates for TTC services are installed in most subway stations, such as Vaughan Metropolitan Centre station.

The TTC, in partnership with Pattison OneStop (formerly OneStop Media Group), have installed large LCD television screens in most subway stations throughout the system except on Line 3 Scarborough and at the Toronto–York Spadina Subway Extension (Downsview Park to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre) stations. The new media system replaced the old "Subway Online" system, which were decommissioned.

The signs feature advertising, news headlines and weather information. From its inception in 2005 until December 31, 2017, the news feed and advertising for television programs were supplied under a contract with Bell Media's 24-hour local cable television news service, CP24. Since January 1, 2018, the service has been provided by Global Television Network's Toronto television station CIII-DT 41, which is owned by Corus Entertainment. [86] The signs also provide TTC-specific information regarding service changes and delays, information pertaining to using the system, and Toronto Police Service alerts about suspects. [87] [88] The system can also be used when an Amber alert is issued, which also may include announcements via the PA system.

In September 2008, Dundas station was the first to feature a "Next Train" announcement integrated into the signage. The system has been expanded to many other stations since its initial rollout. [89] Since mid-July 2009, the majority of stations have been equipped with this service and since January 2018 – coinciding with a content provider switch from CP24 to Global News – the next train arrival time notices were also updated to provide the line number and the destination of the next train. The TYSSE stations have screens that display the arrival times for the next two or three trains. Unlike the older screens, these screens neither display news nor weather headlines provided by Global News.

Governance

As an agency of the City of Toronto, the City has full authority over the TTC's mandate and structure. The TTC is responsible to Toronto City Council through its board, composed of members of council and citizens, led by the chair. [90]

Constituting legislation

The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto Act [91] established the modern day "Toronto Transit Commission" from the "Toronto Transportation Commission" in 1954. [92] When the City of Toronto Act was last updated in 2006, the TTC was continued under the updated act. [93] [90] Toronto Municipal Code, chapter 279 stipulates additional fiscal and policy requirements for the TTC, as well as sets out the requirements for the TTC board. [94] The TTC itself regulates the use of its system via TTC By-law No. 1, the most current revision being the 2009 revision. [78]

Board and chair

The TTC board consists of ten members: six Toronto City Council members and four citizens. [95] The citizen members are nominated through an independent public process by the Civic Appointments committee. [96] The mayor of Toronto appoints the chair of the TTC, currently Jamaal Myers. The chair must be a member of Toronto City Council. The board elects a vice-chair from among its members. [90]

List of chairs of the TTC
ChairFromUntil
Philip W. Ellis19211929
Frederick L. Hubbard [97] 19291930
William C. McBrien [98] 19311932
S.J. McMaster 19321933
William C. McBrien 19331954
William G. Russell 19541955
Allan A. Lamport [99] 19551959
Charles A. Walton [100] January 3, 19591960
Clarence C. Downey [101] [102] 19601963
Ralph C. Day [103] February 12, 1963June 27, 1972
Franklin I. Young [100] July 5, 1972May 28, 1973
Karl L. Mallette [104] August 14, 1973January 21, 1975
G. Gordon Hurlburt [105] January 21, 1975March 31, 1979
Julian Porter May 15, 19791987
Jeffrey S. Lyons [106] 19871989
Lois Griffin [107] [108] 19891991
Michael Colle 19911994
Paul Christie 19941998
Howard Moscoe 19982000
Brian Ashton 20002002
Betty Disero 20022003
Howard Moscoe 20032006
Adam Giambrone [109] December 1, 2006December 1, 2010
Karen Stintz [110] December 1, 2010February 19, 2014
Maria Augimeri [111] February 19, 2014November 30, 2014
Josh Colle [112] December 1, 2014December 13, 2018
Jaye Robinson December 13, 2018November 24, 2022
Jon Burnside [113] November 24, 2022August 8, 2023
Jamaal Myers August 8, 2023Incumbent

Management and personnel

The TTC has more than 12,000 employees. Most are operators, but the commission also employs supervisors, custodians and a wide range of skilled tradespeople who work on vehicles and critical subway and surface infrastructure.

The day-to-day operations of the TTC are managed by the chief executive officer (formerly the chief general manager or CGM), currently Rick Leary, who succeeded Andy Byford in January 2018. [114]

In 2022, TTC employees were surveyed by their union as part of Transit Worker Assault Awareness Day. 73 percent of those surveyed (out of approximately 3,100 people) reported experiencing workplace violence. [115] In March 2023, Jennifer McKelvie, the deputy mayor of Toronto, requested section 269.01 of the Canadian Criminal Code be amended to include assault against transit workers. [116]

Executive personnel

Station managers

In 2013, the TTC assigned group station managers on most subway lines and hired an additional manager upon the opening of the Line 1 extension to Vaughan: [117]

Labour disputes

Unionized workers of the TTC workers have performed strike actions numerous times since 1952. At the request of Mayor Rob Ford and Toronto City Council, on March 30, 2011, the Province of Ontario passed legislation classifying the TTC an essential service, which removed the employees' right to strike. [118] On May 8, 2023, a Superior Court judge overturned the designation on the basis that the TTC did not meet the judicial definition of an "essential service" and therefore the restrictions on striking were unconstitutional. [119]

2018 benefits fraud investigation

In 2018, as a result of their involvement in a health insurance scam involving Healthy Fit, an orthotics shop, 223 employees were dismissed or forced to retire early, while ten faced criminal charges. [120] [121]

Subsidiaries

Beside the main transit operations, the TTC has subsidiaries: [122]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Line 3 Scarborough</span> Defunct light rapid transit line in Toronto, Canada

Line 3 Scarborough, originally known as Scarborough RT (SRT), was a light rapid transit line that was part of the Toronto subway system in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The line ran entirely within the eastern district of Scarborough, encompassing six stations and 6.4 kilometres (4.0 mi) of mostly elevated track. It connected with Line 2 Bloor–Danforth at its southwestern terminus, Kennedy, and terminated in the northeast at McCowan. Until its closure in July 2023, the system had a ridership of 3,908,000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toronto subway</span> Rapid transit system in Ontario, Canada

The Toronto subway is a rapid transit system serving Toronto and the neighbouring city of Vaughan in Ontario, Canada, operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). As of September 2023, the subway system is a rail network consisting of three heavy-capacity rail lines operating predominantly underground. As of December 2022, three new lines are under construction: two light rail lines and one light metro line.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Line 2 Bloor–Danforth</span> Rapid transit line in Toronto, Ontario

Line 2 Bloor–Danforth is a subway line in the Toronto subway system, operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). It has 31 stations and is 26.2 kilometres (16.3 mi) in length. It opened on February 26, 1966, and extensions at both ends were completed in 1968 and again in 1980.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Line 1 Yonge–University</span> Rapid transit line in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario

Line 1 Yonge–University is a rapid transit line of the Toronto subway. It serves Toronto and the neighbouring city of Vaughan in Ontario, Canada. It is operated by the Toronto Transit Commission, has 38 stations and is 38.4 km (23.9 mi) in length, making it the longest line on the subway system. It opened as the "Yonge subway" in 1954 as Canada's first underground passenger rail line and was extended multiple times between 1963 and 2017. Averaging over 670,000 riders per weekday, Line 1 is the busiest rapid transit line in Canada, and one of the busiest lines in North America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">York Region Transit</span> Public transit operator in York Region, Canada

York Region Transit (YRT) is the public transit operator in York Region, Ontario, Canada. Its headquarters are in Richmond Hill, at 50 High Tech Road.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Union station (TTC)</span> Toronto subway station

Union is a subway station on Line 1 Yonge–University of the Toronto subway in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It opened in 1954 as one of twelve original stations on the first phase of the Yonge line, the first rapid transit line in Canada. It was the southern terminus of the line until the opening of the University line in 1963, and is today the inflection point of the U-shaped line. Along with Spadina station and Queens Quay station, it is one of three stations open overnight to support late-night streetcar routes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St. Clair station</span> Toronto subway station

St. Clair is a subway station on Line 1 Yonge–University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The station opened in 1954 as part of the original Yonge Street subway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Main Street station (Toronto)</span> Toronto subway station

Main Street is a station on Line 2 Bloor–Danforth in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and is located on the east side of Main Street a short distance north of Danforth Avenue. Connections to GO Transit's commuter train service on the Lakeshore East line can be made at Danforth GO Station, approximately 300 metres to the south on the east side of Main Street. Wi-Fi service is available at this station.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toronto Transportation Commission</span> Former public transit operator in Toronto, Canada

Toronto Transportation Commission (TTC) was the public transit operator in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, beginning in 1921. It operated buses, streetcars and the island ferries. The system was renamed the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) in 1954.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toronto streetcar system</span> Streetcar network in Ontario, Canada

The Toronto streetcar system is a network of eleven streetcar routes in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). It is the third busiest light-rail system in North America. The network is concentrated primarily in Downtown Toronto and in proximity to the city's waterfront. Much of the streetcar route network dates from the 19th century. Three streetcar routes operate in their own right-of-way, one in a partial right-of-way, and six operate on street trackage shared with vehicular traffic with streetcars stopping on demand at frequent stops like buses. Since 2019, the network has used low-floor streetcars, making it fully accessible.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toronto Transit Commission bus system</span> Bus system serving the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) uses buses and other vehicles for public transportation. In 2018, the TTC bus system had 159 bus routes carrying over 264 million riders over 6,686 kilometres (4,154 mi) of routes with buses travelling 143 million kilometres in the year. As of 2021, the TTC has 192 bus routes in operation, including 28 night bus routes. In 2023, the system had a ridership of 362,041,400, or about 1,222,800 per weekday as of the fourth quarter of 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of the Toronto Transit Commission</span>

The history of public transportation in Toronto in Canada dates back to the middle 19th century under many different private companies, organizations and owners, which were all later unified as a single government-run entity during the 1920s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toronto Transit Commission fares</span>

Fares to use the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) transit system in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, can be paid with various media. The price of fares varies according to age, occupation, income level, and health condition of riders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">512 St. Clair</span> Streetcar route in Toronto, Canada

The 512 St. Clair is an east–west streetcar route in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). It operates on St. Clair Avenue between St. Clair station on the Line 1 Yonge–University subway and Gunns Road, just west of Keele Street.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Presto card</span> Contactless smart card fare system in Ontario, Canada

The Presto card is a contactless smart card automated fare collection system used on participating public transit systems in the province of Ontario, Canada, specifically in Greater Toronto, Hamilton, and Ottawa. Presto card readers were implemented on a trial basis from 25 June 2007 to 30 September 2008. Full implementation began in November 2009 and it was rolled out across rapid transit stations, railway stations, bus stops and terminals, and transit vehicles on eleven different transit systems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blue Night Network</span> Overnight public transit service in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The Blue Night Network is the overnight public transit service operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The network consists of a basic grid of 27 bus and 4 streetcar routes, distributed so that almost all of the city is within 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) of at least one route. It is the largest and most frequent overnight network in North America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vaughan Metropolitan Centre station</span> Toronto subway station

Vaughan Metropolitan Centre is a rapid transit station in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. Opened on December 17, 2017, it is the north terminus of the western section of the Toronto subway's Line 1 Yonge–University. It is operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and is one of two subway stations in the system outside of Toronto's city limits. It provides connections to a York Region Transit (YRT) Viva bus rapid transit route along the Highway 7 Rapidway, which is also used by a Brampton Transit Züm route, as well as several local YRT bus routes.

Accessibility for people with disabilities on the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) system is incomplete but improving. Most of the Toronto subway system was built before wheelchair access was a requirement under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA). However, all subway stations built since 1996 are equipped with elevators, and elevators have been installed in 44 stations built before 1996. Over 75 percent of Toronto's subway stations are accessible. The original plan was to make all stations accessible by 2025; however, a few stations might not be accessible until 2026.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Public transportation in Toronto</span>

Public transportation in the Canadian city of Toronto dates back to 1849 with the creation of a horse-drawn stagecoach company. Today, Toronto's mass transit is primarily made up of a system of subways, buses, and streetcars, covering approximately 1,200 km (750 mi) of routes operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and inter-regional commuter rail and bus service provided by GO Transit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toronto Transit Commission incidents</span> Major incidents involving the Toronto Transit Commission

This article lists major incidents of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) since 1954, such as accidents and other notable unplanned events.

References

  1. "Transit Ridership Report Fourth Quarter 2023" (PDF). American Public Transportation Association. March 4, 2024. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  2. "Transit Ridership Report Fourth Quarter 2023" (PDF). American Public Transportation Association. March 4, 2024. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  3. "The Board". Toronto Transit Commission . Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  4. "TTC Operating Statistics 2021". ttc.ca. Toronto Transit Commission. Retrieved December 5, 2022.
  5. Lakey, Jack (March 8, 2008). "Sick transit: TTC dirty, leaky, decaying". Toronto Star. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  6. Kalinowski, Tess (December 23, 2010). "Toronto's new subway trains delayed". Toronto Star. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  7. "Mixed Signals: Toronto Transit in a North American Context" (PDF). CodeRedTO. p. 39. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 13, 2019.
  8. TTC annual reports
  9. Winfield, Mark (September 1999). "Ontario's Environment and the Common Sense Revolution: A Four Year Report" (PDF). Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 15, 2019.
  10. "TTC Operating Statistics". Toronto Transit Commission. Archived from the original on October 3, 2011. Retrieved September 19, 2011.
  11. "TTC Operating Statistics". Toronto Transit Commission. Archived from the original on July 10, 2011. Retrieved December 23, 2011.
  12. "Is the TTC the priciest transit system in North America?". Blogto.com. December 17, 2011. Retrieved February 19, 2012.
  13. "City Budget 2012: Toronto Transit Commission Operating Budget Analyst Notes" (PDF). City of Toronto. November 28, 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 25, 2013. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  14. "Budget 2011 en bref" (PDF). Société de transport de Montréal. November 29, 2010. p. 7. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 14, 2010. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  15. http://agendaminutes.calgary.ca/sirepub/cache/2/1mvtaf45i2suqxi5b1obsqyx/6457201112012081800189.PDF [ dead link ]
  16. Dotan, Hamutal (December 11, 2011). "Unless City Transfers More Money, TTC Will Need to Hike Fares 10 Cents—Every Year for the Next Four Years | news". Torontoist. Archived from the original on September 26, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2012.
  17. Spurr, Ben (August 12, 2020). "The TTC will get $400 million emergency bailout, province says". Toronto Star . Retrieved August 12, 2020.
  18. "TTC Commission Meetings" (PDF). Toronto Transit Commission. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 7, 2011. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  19. Kalinowski, Tess (October 18, 2008). "TTC going diesel again after hybrid bus glitch". Toronto Star. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  20. "TTC Funding agreement arrives by Malvern bus". Toronto Transit Commission. April 2008. Archived from the original on June 8, 2012. Retrieved February 19, 2012.
  21. "Orion International – ProductsOrion VII". Orion International. Archived from the original on July 10, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  22. Kitching, Chris. "TTC rolls out articulated buses on 7 Bathurst route". CP24 . Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  23. Hall, Diana. "Five things to know about the TTC's new 'bendy' buses hitting the road this winter". National Post . Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  24. Kalinowski, Tess (January 2, 2013). "No new lines, but some GTA transit improvements on track this year". Toronto Star. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  25. "Canada's First Subway". City of Toronto. November 23, 2017. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  26. "The future of TTC's Line 3 Scarborough (SRT)". TTC. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
  27. "Eglinton Crosstown LRT will be delayed by about a year, source says". CBC Toronto. September 23, 2022. Archived from the original on September 25, 2022. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  28. "Ontario Reaches Major Milestone on Eglinton Crosstown LRT Construction". news.ontario.ca. Retrieved November 30, 2017.
  29. "Metrolinx: For a Greater Region - Finch West LRT". www.metrolinx.com. Retrieved July 22, 2019.
  30. 1 2 3 "Ontario Government Lines Up New Toronto Transit Plan". Urban Toronto. Retrieved July 22, 2019.
  31. "Ford, Tory break ground on new Ontario Line, promise support to impacted businesses". Toronto. March 27, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  32. "Eglinton Crosstown West Extension" . Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  33. "Transit expansion in the Greater Toronto Area". Government of Ontario. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  34. "Yonge Subway Extension". vivaNext. Retrieved July 22, 2019.
  35. "Eglinton East Light Rail Transit". City of Toronto. May 28, 2021. Retrieved August 18, 2022.
  36. "New Streetcars: Meet your new ride". Toronto Transit Commission. September 2012. Archived from the original on October 25, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  37. 1 2 "New TTC fares coming April 3, 2023". TTC. Archived from the original on April 4, 2023. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  38. "TTC approves 10 cent fare hike". CityNews . December 14, 2011. Retrieved February 19, 2012.
  39. Moloney, Paul (December 27, 2014). "TTC approves 10-cent fare hike". Toronto Star.
  40. "2017 TTC Fare Increase". ttc.ca. Archived from the original on January 3, 2017. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  41. "The City of Toronto's Fair Pass Discount Program". www.ttc.ca. Archived from the original on May 19, 2020. Retrieved April 13, 2019.
  42. "Presto Fare System". ttc.ca. September 21, 2016. Archived from the original on September 19, 2016. Retrieved September 21, 2016.
  43. "Presto fare card system now operating across the TTC". Globalnews.ca. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  44. "TTC Next Vehicle Information System". Toronto Transit Commission. Archived from the original on April 8, 2009. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  45. "Stay Informed". ttc.ca. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2019.
  46. " @TTCHelps " on Twitter
  47. Donnelly, Aileen (July 11, 2011). "Updated: NextBus lets TTC riders track buses by GPS". National Post. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  48. "A new way to plan your TTC trip — User feedback sought as TTC unveils beta trip planner" (Press release). Toronto Transit Commission. February 2, 2010. Archived from the original on January 17, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  49. "Google Transit adds TTC to trip planning feature" (Press release). Toronto Transit Commission. October 12, 2010. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  50. "A First Look at iOS 9's Transit in Apple Maps (Updated for watchOS 2)". Ilounge.com. August 11, 2015. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  51. Bow, James. "GO Train/Toronto Subway Connections Current and Proposed". Transit Toronto. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  52. "Ontario rolling out GTA-wide transit fare integration on Feb. 26". CBC News. February 6, 2024. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  53. "Ontario's One Fare Program: Frequently Asked Questions". Toronto Transit Commission . Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  54. Catton, F. D.; Berney, L. G. (1980). "Toronto Transit Commission communications and information system evaluation of operationa tests". 30th IEEE Vehicular Technology Conference. VTC30. pp. 352–556. doi:10.1109/VTC.1980.1622833.
  55. "PROCUREMENT AUTHORIZATION AMENDMENT – COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION SYSTEM (CIS) CELLULAR SERVICES" (PDF). April 24, 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 4, 2015. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  56. 1 2 3 "Rogers ordered to open TTC wireless network to all carriers: Minister". Toronto Star . September 11, 2023.
  57. "TTC welcomes subway 5G service and more stable 9-1-1 calling, looks forward to system-wide rollout". Toronto Transit Commission. August 23, 2023. Archived from the original on September 15, 2023.
  58. "Toronto Subway & Tunnel Service". freedommobile.ca. Freedom Mobile . Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  59. "Wi-Fi In Our Stations". Ttc.ca. Archived from the original on October 22, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  60. "TTC All 170 TTC bus routes now accessible" (Press release). Toronto Transit Commission. December 20, 2011. Archived from the original on January 26, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  61. "Legacy TTC streetcars to make final trip down Queen street". Toronto Transit Commission. December 27, 2019. Archived from the original on December 29, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
  62. "Riding the Bus". www.ttc.ca. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  63. "Riding the Streetcar". www.ttc.ca. Archived from the original on November 23, 2015. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  64. Lakey, Jack (January 17, 2013). "The Fixer: Say goodbye to one-sided transit shelters". Toronto Star. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  65. "TTC Bus Shelters". Transitstop.net. Archived from the original on December 11, 2011. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  66. "Chief Executive Officer's Report" (PDF). Toronto Transit Commission. August 10, 2012. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 17, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  67. Grant, Kelly (May 6, 2010). "Proposal for new TTC Headquarters draws flak". The Globe and Mail . Toronto. Archived from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  68. "TTC to end free commuter parking for Metropass holders" (Press release). Toronto Transit Commission. September 26, 2008. Archived from the original on January 17, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  69. "TTC Parking". Toronto Transit Commission. Archived from the original on February 18, 2012. Retrieved February 19, 2012.
  70. "Letter to Councillor Karen Stintz regarding the TTC's Request Stop Program". QueerOntario. September 28, 2011. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  71. "TTC and Toronto EMS place more paramedics in Toronto's subway system" (Press release). Toronto Transit Commission. March 20, 2009. Archived from the original on March 7, 2012. Retrieved February 19, 2012.
  72. "The TTC is watching you on the bus, the subway". The Gazette . October 25, 2007. Archived from the original on June 11, 2011. Retrieved February 19, 2012.
  73. "TTC, Distress Centres of Toronto, Bell Canada partner in new suicide prevention program" (Press release). Toronto Transit Commission. June 16, 2011. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  74. "TTC launches initiative to combat harassment and improve safety". ttc.ca. Toronto Transit Commission. September 6, 2017. Archived from the original on May 6, 2021. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
  75. "ThisIsWhere". Toronto Transit Commission. Archived from the original on December 21, 2017. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  76. Whalen, Julia (September 6, 2017). "New SafeTTC app allows passengers to report harassment". CBC News.
  77. Munro, Steve (February 23, 2019). "Fare Evasion on the TTC: The Auditor General's Report". Steve Munro . Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  78. 1 2 "TTC By-law No. 1". Toronto Transit Commission. December 7, 1990. Archived from the original on October 21, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  79. Cruickshank, Ainslie (December 22, 2017). "TTC backtracks on $500,000 station art installation". Toronto Star . Archived from the original on December 23, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  80. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on January 24, 2021. Retrieved October 30, 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  81. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on January 17, 2021. Retrieved October 30, 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  82. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on January 19, 2021. Retrieved October 30, 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  83. Lennox, John (November 10, 2006). "TTC radio – some background information". Transit Toronto. Retrieved July 21, 2007.
  84. "What do all those TTC emergency plans mean?". Transit Toronto. September 29, 2009. Retrieved October 9, 2009.
  85. "Subway/RT P.A. Code Numbers". Transit Toronto. November 10, 2006. Retrieved July 21, 2007.
  86. "Global News named content provider for TTC screens by PATTISON Onestop". globalnews.ca.
  87. "Toronto Crime Stoppers Launches 'UNDERGROUND ALERT'". Toronto Crime Stoppers. June 12, 2007. Archived from the original on August 2, 2007. Retrieved July 21, 2007.
  88. "Wanted Criminals To Show Up On Subway Monitors". CityNews. June 12, 2007. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  89. "TTC begins rollout of next train arrival signs". Toronto Transit Commission. September 3, 2008. Archived from the original on October 2, 2008. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  90. 1 2 3 "City of Toronto Agencies and Corporations: Board Governance Structures" (PDF). City of Toronto. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 15, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  91. "Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto Act". www.ontario.ca. July 24, 2014. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  92. "Milestones". www.ttc.ca. Archived from the original on March 21, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  93. "City of Toronto Act". www.ontario.ca. July 24, 2014. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  94. "Toronto Municipal Code #279" (PDF).
  95. "Toronto Transit Commission". City of Toronto. August 25, 2017. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  96. "Committee picks four white men for TTC board; told to try again" . Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  97. archive.today/20131030172331/http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2009/02/01/8225866-sun.html
  98. "The Late Fred McBrien". Toronto Daily Star. Toronto. July 4, 1938. p. 4.
  99. Downey, Donn (November 20, 1999). "Mayor Gave City Sunday Sport, Planning". The Globe and Mail. Toronto. p. A26.
  100. 1 2 "The Coupler". The Coupler. Toronto: Toronto Transit Commission. Archived from the original on November 7, 2002.
  101. "The Coupler". The Coupler. Vol. 40, no. 4. Toronto: Toronto Transit Commission. April 1965. Archived from the original on November 7, 2002.
  102. "The Coupler". The Coupler. Vol. 57, no. 7. Toronto: Toronto Transit Commission. September 1982. Archived from the original on November 7, 2002.
  103. Municipal Handbook, City of Toronto. City of Toronto. 1940.
  104. "The Coupler". The Coupler. Vol. 48, no. 9. Toronto: Toronto Transit Commission. September 1973. Archived from the original on November 7, 2002.
  105. "The Coupler". The Coupler. Vol. 47, no. 2. Toronto: Toronto Transit Commission. February 1973. Archived from the original on November 7, 2002.
  106. "Well-known Torontonian Jeff Lyons dies at 75 | Toronto & GTA | News | Toronto Su". Torontosun.com. Retrieved September 26, 2015.
  107. Smith, Michael (April 13, 1989). "New TTC boss drives car to work but she's looking to improve service", Toronto Star , p. A12.
  108. Howell, Peter (November 24, 1990). "TTC chief shows tougher side", Toronto Star , p. D4.
  109. "Councillor Adam Giambrone Profile" City of Toronto. February 12, 2010.
  110. "TTC marks its 90th anniversary" TTC news release, September 1, 2011
  111. www.beachmetro.com/2011/09/20/history-beach-metro-news-beach-booming-1982/
  112. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/mike-colle-former-councillor-mpp-hoping-for-council-return-as-son-josh-colle-retires-from-municipal-politics-1.4760824
  113. Jeffords, Shawn (November 24, 2022). "Tory puts key allies, newcomers in powerful positions at City Hall". CBC News.
  114. "Rick Leary to be next TTC CEO, city's transit chair confirms". CBC News. July 10, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  115. Harvey, Lex (December 16, 2022). "TTC workers report an increase in 'violent incidents' in survey". Toronto Star. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  116. Aguilar, Bryann. "Toronto calls on feds to amend Criminal Code amid rising attacks on transit workers". CP24.
  117. Walton, Tara (April 18, 2013). "Meet your TTC station managers". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  118. Ferguson, Rob; Kalinowski, Tess (March 30, 2011). "Ontario bans strikes by the TTC". Toronto Star. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  119. Wilson, Codi (May 9, 2023). "TTC not an 'essential service,' workers can go on strike, court rules". CTV News. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  120. "The true story of the fraudsters that fleeced the TTC for $6 million and counting". torontolife.com. March 20, 2018.
  121. "More than 200 people dismissed amid TTC benefits fraud investigation: officials". globalnews.ca.
  122. "TTC Subsidiary Companies". www.ttc.ca. Archived from the original on February 26, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2019.

Further reading