Mayor Tory releases 10-point plan to address overcrowding on TTC

Toronto Mayor Tory has launched a 10-point plan and pledged $3 million to relieve overcrowding on the TTC.

The TTC has been particularly congested and plagued with service interruptions in recent weeks. The commuter chaos this winter has been so bad that it prompted TTC’s Brad Ross to issue a lengthy apology for service interruptions and overcrowding – only to be followed up by another consecutive morning of delays during the height of rush hour.

Now, ahead of City Council finalizing the 2018 budget, Mayor John Tory, TTC Chair Josh Colle and Budget Chief Gary Crawford have announced their support for a $3 million investment in the TTC “to help address crowding immediately.”

A motion going before City Council today seeks to grant approval for the proposed influx of money to fight overcrowding and The Mayor has also asked city staff to “explore any and all means to accelerate the Transit Network Plan, including the Relief Line.”

A 10-point plan outlines relief efforts on the TTC that will be implemented immediately, including:

The addition of two subway trains to a fleet that already includes 61 trains in service on Line 1 during the peak morning period – allowing for an increased capacity of 2,400 more people during the morning rush.
Overnight maintenance schedules adjusted to ensure better system reliability.
More proactive checks performed by the TTC on operating equipment, especially during periods of extreme cold or inclement weather so we’re not surprised by a broken heater on a switch.
More platform staff deployed at Yonge/Bloor and St. George stations to manage crowding and help better communicate with the travelling public.
Improved monitoring system-wide including additional personnel at the Transit Operations Centre so the TTC can react faster to problems as they arise.

In the coming weeks (and beyond) the TTC will also:

Enhance its communications with riders and announcements across the system.
Study possible options for lower fares during off-peak hours to give people real financial incentives to take transit outside of the rush hours.
Introduce a plan on how to use enhanced express bus service to help ease overcrowding on the Yonge Line during peak periods.

“I know delays and crowding can be frustrating. I know people want an expanded transit system as soon as possible. I know how maddening it can be when transit and traffic don’t move in this city,” said Mayor Tory in a new release. “I want Toronto residents to know that I am dedicated to getting transit and traffic moving. I’m dedicated to building our entire transit network plan. I’m dedicated to making sure the TTC is doing everything possible to minimize delays and ease crowding.”

See also