Issue 139 | September 8, 2023 | |
A message from TTC CEO Rick Leary | |
|
Back to school
The start of September promises to be a big one for the TTC. With school returning and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) kicking off, we know that our ridership will increase as it typically does this time of year. In response, service has increased on all modes, boosting regular service hours to 93 per cent of pre-pandemic levels this month.
I know employees across the TTC have been working hard to make sure that we are fully prepared to welcome everyone back, and I want to acknowledge the efforts made across the organization. Thank you!
Starting this week, we have done a number of things to support our customers, especially those heading back to school:
- Making more room on board buses by increasing service based on ridership demand.
- Shortening wait times by improving the bus 10-Minute Network.
-
Providing 41 time periods across the day with reduced wait times. Twenty-seven of those time periods will either return to pre-pandemic levels or be better than they were before.
- Improving reliability with more unscheduled, demand-responsive service.
Over 800 backpacks collected
This year, the TTC, in partnership with the Toronto and Region Chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), collected more than 800 backpacks with school supplies for students heading back to school. The backpacks were donated to children and teens in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas around the city.
The target for this year was to collect 500 backpacks for students, and we succeeded in collecting 833 backpacks for students in need. A big thank you to the TTC’s Recreation Council for its support as well as the many TTC employees who donated generously.
TTC/United Way Campaign Kick-Off
On Wednesday, September 13, the TTC is officially kicking off its 2023 TTC/United Way Campaign with a pep rally and kick-off BBQ at Hillcrest Complex. Last year, employees and pensioners raised over $630,000 in support of our communities through public events, canvassing colleagues and local workplace fundraisers. This year, we hope to do even better!
The poster with details about the event is included below in this week's issue. The kick-off is an opportunity to come together and be inspired to raise money for an important cause.
Hope to see you all there.
| | |
|  |
|
Rick Leary
TTC CEO
September 8, 2023
| | |
|
|
Come to the 2023 TTC and United Way Pep Rally and Kick-Off BBQ
When: Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 11 a.m.
Where: Hillcrest Complex
All proceeds will go to United Way Greater Toronto. See the poster for more information.
| | |
|
|
Enjoy a family-friendly day of fun at the Greenwood Complex open house
When: Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Greenwood Complex (400 Greenwood Ave.)
All proceeds will go to United Way Greater Toronto. See the poster for more information.
| | |
|
|
Donate to United Way Garage Sale at Danforth Division
On September 23, 2023, Danforth Division will be holding a garage sale benefiting United Way.
Donations for the sale can be dropped off at Danforth Division, Hillcrest Complex, Malvern Division, McBrien Building and Mount Dennis Division by September 15. See the poster for more info.
| | |
|
|
Run or walk to raise money for United Way at the Mount Dennis 5K Fun Run
Join the Mount Dennis 5K Fun Run on Sunday, September 24, 2023. The route starts and finishes at Caplan's parking lot (1130 Weston Rd.) at 9 a.m. Participate with a donation of $20. Kids run free! See the poster for more details.
| | |
|
|
Attend a Toronto vs. Tampa baseball game on September 29 for United Way
See the Toronto Blue Jays play the Tampa Bay Rays on September 29, 2023. Tickets are $70. To purchase tickets, contact Mark Reed (416-824-3006) or Kathy Wyeth (416-393-7863). See the poster for more details.
| | |
|
|
Bring your families to TTC’s Family Day and Bus Roadeo event at Arrow Road Garage
When: Sunday, October 15, 2023, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Arrow Road Garage (700 Arrow Rd.)
Come out for food, rides, fun activities and more! This fun day is free to TTC all employees and is accessible. Event and volunteer information will be available soon.
| | |
|
|
Join the United Way ClimbUP event
Challenge yourself and conquer the 1,776 steps of the CN Tower to support United Way’s fight against local poverty on October 22, 2023. See the poster for more details.
| | |
|
|
Get to know your Pension Plan by attending a TTC Pension Plan webinar
Your TTC Pension Plan is an important part of your retirement. Learn more about your plan by joining a virtual seminar. See the poster for more information. Visit ttcpp.ca/seminars to register.
| |
What's happening
News from around the TTC
| |
|
Broadview Station bus service changes begin September 11
From September 11 to November 2023, TTC will be renewing the streetcar track infrastructure on Broadview Avenue north of the Danforth, on Erindale Avenue, and at Broadview Station.
The following service changes will be in place:
- 8 Broadview buses will end at the intersection of Broadview and Mortimer avenues. Buses will continue east on Mortimer Avenue as the 62 Mortimer. The 8 Broadview will continue to be extended to Warden Station.
- 62 Mortimer buses will also end at the intersection of Broadview and Mortimer avenues. Buses will continue north on Broadview Avenue as the 8 Broadview. 62 Mortimer buses will return to servicing Main Street Station.
- 87 Cosburn buses will divert to Pape Station via Mortimer and Pape avenues.
- 322 Coxwell buses will continue to divert to Pape Station via Mortimer and Pape avenues.
To learn more about the changes visit ttc.ca/broadviewconstruction.
| |
|
The Toronto International Film Festival returns on September 7
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is returning to Toronto from September 7 to 17, 2023. Diversions to accommodate the Festival Street celebrations include:
- 504 King streetcars operating between Distillery Loop and Church Street, and between Dundas West Station and Charlotte Loop (Spadina Avenue).
- 504C King replacement buses operating.
- 304 King (night) buses operating between Dundas West Station, along King Street West, King Street East, Queen Street East, and Carlaw Avenue to Pape Station.
Additional diversions will occur on King Street West on September 11 and 12, to accommodate red carpet events. For more details on all the service changes, please visit ttc.ca.
As a thank you to Torontonians for their patience during the service changes, TIFF is inviting the public to Roy Thompson Hall for a free screening on September 16 at 3 p.m. More details will soon be available on tiff.net.
| |
|
TTC equips all stations with naloxone kits
Starting today, September 8, all TTC stations will be equipped to provide access to naloxone in the event of an opioid overdose emergency. As the city of Toronto continues to cope with the ongoing drug toxicity crisis, the TTC decided to improve access to naloxone in TTC stations to help prevent and respond to drug overdoses. Naloxone kits will be available at all TTC stations inside station collector booths and hubs.
Designated employees (including Special Constables, Station Supervisory staff, TCC Mobile and Chief Supervisors, OTC Instructors, Fare Inspectors and designated first-aid attendants) are being trained to administer naloxone and are also first-aid certified.
Starting September 15, the TTC will also make naloxone available inside centrally located AED boxes at private TTC facilities (i.e. carhouses, divisions, garages, and office buildings). View the Safety Notice for more information.
| |
|
TTC employees can receive discounted rates to Novotel
You can receive a discount to Novotel Toronto North York on select 2023 dates. See this PDF for more information.
You can find tons of great deals like this one on the TTC Recreation Council's page on MyTTC | SAP Jam.
| |
See what TTC's Instagram account posted this week | |
Each week, we will share a post from one of TTC's social media accounts. This week features a recap from TTC's event for Summer and Co-Op Students at Bay Lower Station on August 2. Check back next week for another post! | |
|
"A party inside a famous abandoned subway station? That’s exactly what we did to celebrate 432 outstanding Summer and Co-op Students. Bay Lower Station was transformed into a one-of-a-kind recognition event as a special way to thank the students for their remarkable contributions. Students explored Bay Lower station, connected with senior leaders, and received (some impressive) awards for exceptional work throughout the term. We finished the memorable day with lunch and visit to Ripley’s Aquarium!
Thank you to all the students – from project management and maintenance to the artistry of illustration, you played a pivotal role in our operations. We can’t wait to see how your journey continues to unfold! 👏 #TTCNextGen #TTCFutureTalent"
| |
|
Chantelle Dallas appointed Human Rights Consultant, effective August 8, 2023
Chantelle joins the TTC with legal and investigative experience working for the government of Ontario. Chantelle previously practiced civil litigation with a focus on human rights law, administrative law, and professional regulation as well as with a commitment to social justice and anti-discrimination.
During her studies at McGill’s Faculty of Law, Chantelle worked in McGill's Social Equity and Diversity Education office. She also volunteered for the Centre for Research Action on Race Relations, where she advocated for victims of discrimination before the administrative bodies/tribunals responsible for human rights and police ethics in Quebec.
| |
|
Employee spotlight
Syed Umair Akhtar - Systems Analyst, Streetcar Maintenance
| |
|
In 2016, Syed Umair Akhtar joined the TTC as a Maintenance System Controller in Bus Maintenance and Shops. In 2020, he became a Systems Analyst in Streetcar Maintenance. As a Systems Analyst, Syed ensures that the Enterprise Asset Management system and other information systems within the Streetcar Maintenance department effectively support the TTC's objectives.
A typical day for Syed involves various tasks ranging from system monitoring and support to data analysis and reporting. He collaborates with different departments, conducts training for end-users, and works on system enhancements. “I like that my role is dynamic. It requires adaptability and problem-solving skills to handle tasks efficiently,” Syed shared.
He originally joined the TTC because it offers employees room for professional growth and he wanted to make a meaningful impact on public services. Over the years, he’s come to enjoy how the TTC partners with organizations in Toronto to get employees involved in the community. In 2022, he participated in the Casa Loma escape event and solved the Murdoch Mystery case, a fun memory for him.
Outside of work, Syed enjoys watching cricket and movies, exploring different restaurants across the city, and keeping himself updated with the latest trends and advancements in the IT industry.
Know someone you'd like to see featured in an Employee Spotlight?
Nominate TTC employees by e-mailing MyTTCWeekly@ttc.ca.
| |
|
Mark your calendar
Events and observances from September 11-24, 2023
| |
|
September 11 - Coptic New Year
September 12 - Ethiopian New Year
September 15 - International Day of Democracy
September 15 - Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown (Judaism)
September 17 - Rosh Hashanah ends (Judaism)
September 18 - International Equal Pay Day
September 19 - Ganesh Chaturthi (Hinduism)
September 21 - International Day of Peace
September 21 - Mabon (Pagan/Wicca)
September 23 - Autumn Equinox
September 23 - Bi Visibility Day
September 23 - International Day of Sign Languages
September 24 - Yom Kippur (begins at sundown)
| |
|
| Employee Career Centre
New TTC internal job postings
| |
|
At the TTC, we are committed to helping you reach your professional goals through internal promotion and transfer opportunities. The Employee Career Centre allows current employees to apply for any available position.
The TTC is committed to fostering a positive workplace culture with a workforce that is representative of the communities it serves. Committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, the TTC encourages applications from all qualified applicants. Accommodation is available for applicants of all abilities throughout the recruitment process.
New positions available:
CEO's Office
- Senior Advisor, Business Continuity & Resilience (Req I.D. 8234)
- Senior Communications Advisor - Transit Control (Req I.D. 8266)
Corporate Services
- Procurement & Contract Specialist (Req I.D. 7580)
Diversity and Culture
- Manager-Human Rights (Req I.D. 7838)
Engineering, Construction and Expansion
- Design Engineer, Mechanical (Req I.D. 7530)
Innovation and Sustainability
- Senior Engineer, Systems (Req I.D. 8175)
Operations and Infrastructure
- Track Quality Assurance Engineer (Req I.D. 8068)
- Track Access Controller (Req I.D. 8221)
- Senior Construction Inspector, Elevating Devices (Req I.D. 8252)
- Design Engineer, Track (Req I.D. 8159)
Strategy and Customer Experience
- Revenue Equipment Attendant (Req I.D. 6627)
Transportation and Vehicles
- Garage Foreperson (Req I.D. 7095)
- Operations Supervisor Trainee (Pool) (Req I.D. 8195)
- Coach Technician (Req I.D. 5934)
For more information and a list of all current job postings, visit the Employee Career Centre on MyTTC | Home. Log in with your MyTTC username and password.
Please contact Diversity and Culture – Talent Management at 416-393-4570 with any questions.
| |
|
Miss an issue?
Access the MyTTC | Weekly archive
| |
|
MyTTC | Weekly | e-mail us
© 2023 Toronto Transit Commission
| | | | |
