Issue 145 | October 20, 2023 | |
A message from TTC CEO Rick Leary | |
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We had a great time and turnout at last Sunday’s Bus Roadeo and Family Day. I want to share a big thank-you and job well done to our dedicated staff, volunteers and vendors for making this year’s big event another great success. I especially want to congratulate all of our Roadeo competitors for showing off their operating and maintenance skills and competitive spirit in grand style.
You can find a full list of the 2023 Grand Champions and finalists in this week’s newsletter.
Public Forum on Accessible Transit
I would like to remind everyone that the TTC’s Public Forum on Accessible Transit is on Monday, October 23. This year’s session takes place at the Toronto Reference Library. Staff presentations begin at 7 p.m., followed by a Q&A with riders and the public.
The customer feedback received is essential to improving our accessible/conventional and specialized services, as is our close collaboration with the Advisory Committee on Accessible Transportation. A top priority of ours will always be providing our Wheel-Trans riders with accessible public transit that ensures dignity, spontaneity, fairness and freedom of travel. The TTC is everyone’s transit system.
The Forum will be live-streamed if you are unable to attend in person. I encourage everyone to make some time in your busy schedule to tune in on Monday. This year, our moderator is Deputy CEO Bruce Macgregor and our panellists are: Chief Capital Officer Gary Downie, Acting Chief Strategy and Customer Experience Officer Wendy Reuter, ACAT Chair Anita Dressler, Wheel-Trans Head Cameron Penman, Streetcar Transportation Head Deborah Lyon and Customer Policy Manager Matt Hagg.
Stay safe.
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Rick Leary
TTC CEO
October 20, 2023
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Vote for the winners of the Cutest Pet Contest United Way fundraiser
Check out 91 adorable entries and vote for your favourites! Click here to access the online ballot. A printable/shareable poster is available here – help spread the word!
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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.
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Share your poetic voice by entering the TTC and Poems in Passage poetry contest
Poems in Passage is holding a poetry contest for TTC employees and customers. Share your poetry for a chance to win a cash prize and have your poem featured on one of TTC's ad spaces. Submit your poetry by October 27, 2023.
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Check out TTC's Halloween Fest at Bay Lower Station
On Saturday, October 28 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, October 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., join us for Halloween fun at Bay Lower Station. Admission is $5 per entry and children two and under are free. All proceeds go to United Way Greater Toronto. See the poster for more details.
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Come out to a Bowling Tournament for United Way
When: Thursday, November 2, 2023, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Where: Playtime Bowl and Entertainment (33 Samor Rd., North York)
Tickets are $45 per person and include shoe rental and a snack. Individuals or teams of up to three people can register on a first-come-first-serve basis. See the poster for contact information.
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Sign up for the United Way Trivia Night fundraiser
When: Thursday, November 16, 2023, registration begins at 4 p.m. and trivia questions begin at 6 p.m.
Where: Granite Brewery & Tied House (245 Eglinton Ave. E)
There's a maximum of 25 teams with 4 people per team. See the poster for more information.
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Donate to United Way Greater Toronto
Help the TTC reach its fundraising goal of $800,000. Every bit counts! Donate what you can using the online donation form until December 1. The online form includes options for both one-time donations and payroll deductions. United Way provides a tax receipt for donations over $25. Those who make a payroll donation will have the donation included on their T4.
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What's happening
News from around the TTC
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TTC holds a successful Family Day event
On October 15, at Arrow Road Garage, the TTC hosted the annual Family Day event. Employees and their families attended the event and enjoyed delicious food, fun games, rides, and more!
We got to see the best of the TTC – our commitment to our community, our impressive sense of volunteerism, and our ability to come together.
Thank you to all of those who made it out!
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Congrats to the 2023 Roadeo Challenge winners!
On October 15, the TTC held its Roadeo Challenge Championship alongside the Family Day event at Arrow Road Garage.
The champions are:
- Bus Transportation - Rick Arbaji (Birchmount Division)
- Wheel-Trans - Suzette Rowe
- Bus Maintenance Driving - Indervir Dhillon (Wilson Garage)
- Bus Maintenance Diagnostic Team - Markus Kassella, Steve Fung and Wayne Szeto (Wilson Division)
- Management Driving - Claudio Caschera (Subway Transportation)
See the full list and photos of winners and runner-ups on MyTTC | SAP Jam.
Congrats to all the winners, runner-ups and participants!
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Mark your calendars for the TTC’s 16th Annual Public Forum on Accessible Transit
On Monday, October 23, the TTC's Annual Public Forum on Accessible Transit will take place at the Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge St.) in the Bram and Bluma Appel Salon.
A marketplace event will take place from 6 to 7 p.m., where attendees can interact with TTC staff and view display boards about various accessibility initiatives at the TTC. The Forum will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. A live stream link to join the Forum virtually will be available at ttc.ca.
More information about the Forum is available at ttc.ca/accessibility.
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Ciroc Vodka sponsoring free rides on the 504 King on October 25
On October 25 from 5 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., Ciroc Vodka will sponsor a free ride on the 504 King route in celebration of the Raptors Home opener at Scotiabank Arena.
During the free ride period, customers do not need to tap their PRESTO, debit or credit card, or pay by cash, ticket or TTC token when travelling on a 504 King streetcar. The PRESTO readers will have bag covers over them and signs will be posted on the Single Ride Vending Machines to promote the free ride. Customers will be required to pay on other routes and when entering a subway station.
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Cybersecurity tip of the month: Misconceptions about phishing emails
Hackers can send multiple emails. Hackers will get hold of someone’s email and strike up a business-related conversation to talk their way into the system. This type of phishing attack is called Business Email Compromise and is often used on executives or employees with access to financials or sensitive information.
Tip: If an unknown person reaches out to you, confirm their identity with a third party via a different means of communication before giving them any information.
If you suspect a fraudulent email, always report it to phishing@ttc.ca.
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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we are highlighting various accessibility initiatives introduced at the TTC this year.
This year, Special Olympics Ontario held two Athletics Meets, one at Centennial Stadium in Etobicoke on July 10 and another at York University on August 13. The TTC was delighted to lend its support in both events with one of our buses on site as a cooling station. We also had staff in attendance to offer information, such as Travel Training Handbooks, Wheel-Trans Re-Registration forms, as well as TTC buttons, stickers and colouring books. Ashely Hughes, the daughter of one of our bus transportation managers, Terry Hughes, was a participant in the event. TTC is proud to be a part of Special Olympics Ontario and we aim to support many more events in the future.
To learn more about the TTC’s accessibility initiatives, please visit ttc.ca/accessibility.
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| Rewards and Recognition
Congratulations to the Customer Service Award recipients
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Twice a year, the TTC recognizes employees who go above and beyond in the areas of customer service, safety, innovation and creativity, leadership, teamwork, and diversity. Each week, MyTTC | Weekly will feature award recipients from the six different Rewards and Recognition categories.
The Customer Service Award recognizes individuals who are committed to delivering excellent customer service. Congratulations to this October's winners!
Read more about all Rewards and Recognition winners on MyTTC | The Coupler.
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Jackson Mylvaganam
Stations Collector
Stations Department
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Denise Stogianou
Operator
Bus Transportation
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"Given the diversity in the City of Toronto and among TTC employees, I think is important to celebrate every one of us. These recognitions months reaffirm that we have so much to give and create a very positive environment." - Washington Emaldi, Bus Operator, Arrow Road Division, representing Uruguay
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"It's very important to me to be part of a celebration like Latin American Heritage Month that includes so many countries, which share so much culture from the past and the present. We live in a very diverse society, and we are individuals with different origins. When the TTC organizes initiatives like these, it makes me feel like even though we’re all different people, we are working towards the same goal." - Enrique R., Bus Operator, Arrow Road Division, representing Uruguay
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"It’s important for the TTC to celebrate Latin American Heritage Month as well as other heritage months because we can recognize the diverse people that come all over the world. It’s also important for the morale of all to have a piece of their country, culture and life recognized by the commission. I believe all these months we recognize bring light to all the people and cultures that work together at the TTC." - Andrew Gans, Bus Operator, Wilson Division, representing Peru
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Women's History Month
Celebrating Women's History Month the TTC
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Throughout October, the TTC is celebrating Women’s History Month by highlighting women who have made a positive impact within their roles throughout the Commission. This year’s theme, She Did, So Now I Can, celebrates the actions of inspiring women that positively impact our lives today. | |
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“I want to acknowledge and appreciate the incredible women who work at the Special Constable Service of TTC. As a woman, I could not be prouder and more inspired by the efforts of women Special Constables in my department. What makes their achievements even more admirable is the challenging nature of their work. Despite the hurdles they face daily, they manage to wear smiles that brighten our workplace and extend a helping hand to one another.
Being a part of this incredible team fills me with immense pride and a sense of purpose. Together, we are breaking barriers and stereotypes, proving that women are a driving force in technology and public service. I would also like to give a big shout out to all fellow women in TTC for shaping a brighter and more inclusive place for all." – Bizna Baby, Technology Administrator, Special Constable Service
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Juliette Layne, Operations Supervisor, McNicoll Bus Division
“Since I’ve been with the TTC, Juliette has become family to me. I am new to Canada and new to the TTC and Juliette has welcomed me with open arms. She provides me with great advice to progress within my current role and is always willing to mentor others within the Division.” – Submitted by Gericia Francis, Divisional Trainer, McNicoll Division
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Susan Paul, Operations Supervisor, McNicoll Bus Division
“Susan has become one of my closest colleagues within our Division. She is more than just a superior to me — she’s my friend. Susan has guided me and continues to consistently support female operators. It is obvious she wants all of us to do well in the company and she goes out of her way to help everyone excel.” – Submitted by Gericia Francis, Divisional Trainer, McNicoll Division
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See what the TTC's Instagram account posted this week | |
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"That spooky szn grind. 😮💨🎃
We've been hard at work haunting the halls of Bay Lower Station, gearing up for this year's Halloween Fest. Save the date and join us for a spooktacular weekend of family-friendly fun, with all proceeds going to the United Way Greater Toronto!
📅 October 28 & 29
📍 Bay Lower Station
💵 $5 per entry, free for kids two and under"
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Adrian Chan appointed Divisional Assistant Manager, Bus and Rail Transportation, effective October 1, 2023
Adrian joined the TTC as a Bus Operator at Eglinton Division in 2013 and held increasingly progressive roles, including Route Supervisor, Mobile Supervisor, Shift Supervisor, Bus Instructor, and Quality Assurance and Training Specialist. His experience has allowed him to gain insight into managing the day-to-day operation of route management, emergency response, training, and frontline experience within the organization.
In his current role as Divisional Assistant Manager, Bus and Rail Transportation, Adrian manages the day-to-day operations of the division and engages with his staff to promote a positive work environment.
Adrian holds a certificate for health and nutrition from the University of Pittsburg and has obtained a Signing Authority with the Ministry of Transportation.
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Seyed Tabaee appointed Divisional Assistant Manager, Bus and Rail Transportation, effective October 1, 2023
Seyed began his career at the TTC in 2013 as a Bus Operator. Between 2016 and 2021, he also held the roles of Divisional Clerk, Operations Supervisor and Clerical Assistant Manager.
Seyed brings over ten years of experience in operations and clerical roles, as well as an understanding and appreciation for the various positions at the TTC.
Seyed is committed to working with all employees, departments and groups to achieve shared corporate objectives.
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Mark your calendar
Events and observances from October 20 - November 5, 2023
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October - Caribbean Heritage Month, Canadian Islamic History Month, Community Support Month, Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Disability Employment Awareness Month, German Heritage Month, Healthy Workplace Month, Latin American Heritage Month, Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, Women’s History Month
October 21 - Installation of Scriptures as Guru Granth (Sikhism)
October 24 - Dussehra (Hinduism)
October 24 - Navaratri ends (Hinduism)
October 25 - Police and Peace Officer’s National Memorial Day
October 26 - Intersex Awareness Day
October 26 - Birth of Ba’b (Baha’i)
October 26 - Gujarati New Year (Hindu)
October 27 - National Mentoring Day
October 31 - Halloween
October 31 - Samhain begins (Pagan/Wicca)
November 1 - All Saints Day (Christianity)
November 1 - Dia de los Muertos begins
November 1 - Samhain ends (Pagan/Wicca)
November 1 - Treaties Recognition Week begins
November 2 - All Souls Day (Christianity)
November 2 - Dia de los Muertos ends
November 4 - Lhabab Düchen (Buddhism)
November 5 - Veterans’ Week begins
November 5 - Daylight Saving Time ends
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| Employee Career Centre
New TTC internal job postings
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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
- Director, Audit, Risk and Compliance (Req I.D. 8327)
Corporate Services
- Procurement & Contract Specialist (Req I.D. 7580)
- Director, Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis (Req I.D. 7861)
- Cost Control Analyst (Req I.D. 8426)
- Business Management and Policy Consultant (Req I.D. 8412)
- Manager, Financial Planning and Analysis - Capital (Req I.D. 8413)
- Manager, Business Management (Planning & Training) (Req I.D. 7843)
Engineering, Construction and Expansion
- Quality Assurance Officer (Req I.D. 8325)
- Project Controls Lead-Construction (Req I.D. 8344)
- Design Engineer, Mechanical (Req I.D. 7530)
Innovation and Sustainability
- Project Controls Coordinator (Req I.D. 7944)
Operations and Infrastructure
- Structure Mechanic (Pool) (Req I.D. 8288)
- Structure Repairperson (Pool) (Req I.D. 8373)
- Structure Maintainer (Pool) (Req I.D. 8402)
- Senior Engineer, Noise and Vibration (Req I.D. 8155)
- Foreperson, Sheet Metal (Req I.D. 8455)
- Workcar Operator Trainee (Pool) (Req I.D. 8457)
- Engineering Technologist, Electrical (Req I.D. 8071)
People
- Technical Instructor (Req I.D. 8357)
Strategy and Customer Experience
- Revenue Equipment Attendant (Req I.D. 6627)
- Transit Special Constable (Req I.D. 8062)
Transportation and Vehicles
- Garage Foreperson (Req I.D. 7095)
- Engineering Technologist, Elevating Devices (Req I.D. 8085)
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.
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