We’re now just days away from the start of our September Service Board Period and the beginning of a new school year.

As students return to school and more people return to in-office work after Labour Day, we know our ridership will increase as it typically does in September. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s especially important to me that that the TTC be fully prepared to welcome everyone back to a safe and clean system with service that meets the needs of our customers.

Starting on September 4, service will be increased on all modes. Among the key service changes are:

• Restoration of three-minute train service on Lines 1 and 2;
• Increased service on more than two dozen bus routes and two streetcar routes;
• Restoration of seasonal, post-secondary services across the network; and 
• Extra, unscheduled vehicles will be available across all modes to help fill gaps that develop due to unplanned delays or disruptions.

It’s extremely important at this time of year to be aware that vehicle and pedestrian traffic increases significantly with the back-to-school and return-to-office rush hours.

Whether you’re at work or off work, please take extra precaution over the next few weeks and keep these safety tips top of mind:

• Be aware of kids and teens walking with their heads down, often texting or listening to music.
• Stay alert as increased crowding at bus and streetcar stops may nudge people closer to the curb side.
• Stay focused as higher passenger volumes at stations may cause people to move closer to the platform edge or drop objects to track level.
• Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists who may not be watching for you, and use extra vigilance at pedestrian crosswalks.

And finally, last Saturday was TTC Day at the Blue Jays game and it was a great success for the United Way campaign with more than 400 employees, friends and family members in attendance. Our annual fundraiser officially kicks off with a pep-rally and flag-raising at Hillcrest on September 14. Hope to see you all there.

Have a great and safe Labour Day long weekend.

From August 25 to 31, 2022, 59 TTC employees or contractors tested positive for COVID-19 (by rapid antigen test or PCR test) or reported having COVID-19 symptoms.

If you develop new or worsening symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please stay home and notify your manager or supervisor.

September readiness

See how the TTC is preparing to welcome back customers this September

The TTC has been getting ready to welcome back more customers after Labour Day. We want the TTC to be the affordable, cleaner, safer, easier to use, more reliable way for customers to get around Toronto. Below are some of the initiatives teams across the TTC have been working on as we look forward to more riders taking transit this fall.

New operators ready for service in September

Instructors at the Operation Training Centre have been training newly hired operators – with more than 500 new operators ready for service at the start of the September Board period, and 900 by the end of year. Training for new operators includes time both in class and on their vehicle mode (bus, streetcar, subway or Wheel-Trans). Safety is key and operators are trained in operating under a variety of different conditions as well as in customer service, de-escalation and problem solving.

TTC increasing service across all modes

The TTC is increasing service across all modes and on many routes to make sure service is being delivered to meet demand. Key service changes going into effect on Sunday, Sept. 4 include restoring three-minute train service on Lines 1 and 2; increased service investment on over two dozen bus routes and two streetcar routes; and the restoration of seasonal post-secondary service across the city. And, across all modes, extra, unscheduled vehicles will be available to help fill gaps that develop due to unplanned delays or disruptions.

Preparing for increased ridership

Although TTC ridership throughout the summer has been in the 55-60 per cent range, current models predict a further 10 to 15 per cent jump over the coming weeks and months, pending any new pandemic restrictions.

TTC vehicle maintenance on track to increase vehicle availability starting September

The Vehicle Group has been gearing up to have 1550 buses available – up by nearly 100 from summer levels. Streetcar availability will increase to 158 for daily peak cars, which is up from 145 peak last period. With a focus on cleaning, preventative maintenance and a decal refresh over the summer, service will include an increase to 46 cars from 31 on Line 2 and 65 from 53 on Line 1 (a 32 per cent increase on Lines 1 and 2 combined). Prep work includes seat cleaning and replacement, intake grill cleaning, and preventative maintenance.

Crews deep cleaning stations over the summer

To welcome back both new and existing customers, one of the TTC’s areas of focus over the summer was deep-cleaning all stations. Dozens of students were hired to complement the great work our heavy cleaning crews already do, with a station cleaning blitz over the summer. Crews worked overnight on power-washing and deep-cleaning entrances, stairs, pillars, mezzanines, streetcar and bus bays, and subway platforms.

TTC improving safety and customer experience

To make sure customers have the best experience as they return to taking transit, the TTC is renewing our focus on safety and customer service excellence. This includes increasing the number of Special Constables and working with the city’s Streets to Homes program to put resources where they are needed.

TTC highlights safety features in subway stations

Safety comes first at the TTC. Customers will soon start to see decals highlighting station safety features so that they can be easily identified. Safe Designated Waiting Areas (DWAs), an improved intercom system to reach a TTC employee, in-station cameras and the SafeTTC app are all in place to help keep customers safe.

Donate items to Russell Division and Danforth Division garage sales benefiting United Way Greater Toronto

The garage sales will take place on Saturday, September 10 (Danforth) and Sunday, September 11 (Russell). See the poster for more details.

Donations can dropped off to Birchmount Division, Danforth Division, Leslie Barns, Mount Dennis Division and Russell Division. Please speak to your workplace United Way volunteer for more information.

Come out to the 2022 TTC and United Way Pep Rally and Kick-Off BBQ

When: Wednesday, September 14, 2022, 11 a.m.

Where: Hillcrest Complex

Get a burger or sausage and drink for $6. All proceeds will go to United Way Greater Toronto. See the poster here.

Book your spot for the 2022 Charity Golf Tournament for United Way

When: Saturday, September 24, 2022

Where: Innisbrook Golf Course (211 Lockhart Rd., Barrie)

Entry is $150 per player with limited availability. See the poster for more details.

Extended: Count Me In employee demographic survey now closing on November 30

In just two minutes, you can help build more inclusive programs and policies at the TTC. Fill out our short, multiple-choice survey about how you identify, including your race, gender, religion, sexual orientation and disability status, to help paint a clearer picture of the TTC’s diverse workforce. Access the survey here. 

TTC accepting applications for its Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit (ACAT)

Do you know a Toronto resident who is passionate about improving accessibility on the TTC? The TTC is looking for new volunteer members for its Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit (ACAT).

Applications are being accepted until September 12 at ttc.ca/acat.

The TTC’s hosting a virtual Public Forum on Accessible Transit

The TTC will be hosting its virtual Public Forum on Accessible Transit on September 22, 2022 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Speak to your manager or supervisor to learn more. Information is also available on ttc.ca.

COMTO Toronto & Region hosts successful backpack and school supply drive

From July 26 to August 26, COMTO Toronto & Region collected backpacks and school supplies for communities in Neighborhood Improvement Areas in Toronto.

At the distribution event on August 27, over 400 stuffed backpacks were handed over.

Thank you to everyone who helped organize the drive, and to those who donated!

A More Beautiful Journey app launching for TTC's 100th anniversary

In honour of the TTC's 100th anniversary and the City of Toronto's Year of Public Art, the Intersection Festival launched A More Beautiful Journey (AMBJ) app on September 1.

This free app is an extended reality audio installation that features music from over 20 artists from across the city.

Visit the A More Beautiful Journey website or ttc.ca for more information.

Four hundred TTC employees and guests cheer on the Toronto Blue Jays

The event this past weekend raised money for United Way Greater Toronto.

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Rogers Centre to support the Toronto Blue Jays and United Way Greater Toronto! 

TTC employees can save up to 46 per cent on CNE tickets

This long weekend is the CNE's last weekend. Get up to 46 per cent off CNE tickets until September 5. See the poster for more details and how to buy tickets.

You can find tons of great deals like this one on the TTC Recreation Council's page on MyTTC | SAP Jam.

A new MyTTC | Home page is coming soon

On September 12, the Employee Service Centre will launch a new look-and-feel for MyTTC | Home, including new login and landing pages. The new site will improve user experience and strengthen security while offering all current MyTTC | Home services, like access to pay statements, tax information and your TTC profile.

TTC's Respect and Dignity policy

2022 updates now available

The TTC’s 10-Point Action Plan and five-year Diversity and Human Rights Plan champion the ongoing work of fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace culture and emphasize the importance of a safe, respectful, and supportive workplace – a responsibility we all share. 

The Respect and Dignity Policy is the TTC’s anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policy. This year, updates to the Policy include items like: 

• Management should provide ongoing support to employees who may be affected by an incident, including checking in after they have been involved in an investigation.
• Employees have a responsibility to recognize and avoid conduct that is unwelcomed and inappropriate in the workplace.  
• Employees and management are encouraged to reach out to HRID to explore workplace restoration services, such as mediation or training, following an investigation, to help build a positive workplace culture. 

On the move

Vedanarine Mangrue appointed Carhouse Operations Assistant, effective August 15, 2022

Vedanarine joined the TTC as a Summer Student in Garage Operations in 2018, and she returned to the role during the summers of 2019 and 2020. She has also worked as a co-op student in the TTC’s Safety and Environment department, and for the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

Now, as a Carhouse Operations Assistant, Vedanarine will provide general administrative and clerical support services to the Streetcar Maintenance Department. She will also help ensure efficient operations within the department.

Vedanarine holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies and Diploma in Environmental Assessment from the University of Waterloo.

Mark your calendar

Events and observances from September 5-18, 2022

September 5 - Labour Day

September 18 - International Equal Pay Day

Michael Ning

Transit Operator, Bloor-Danforth Division

Michael Ning has many hobbies and interests. He likes to cook, try new foods, play sports and collect Lego sets. One interest he’s had since childhood is his admiration for transportation vehicles. 

That interest is part of why Michael joined the TTC in 2018. He started as a Subway Operator, and was also a Streetcar Operator for a while before returning to subway.

One of Michael’s stand-out moments in his career was when he helped a customer who had been injured on an escalator. Due to a language barrier, the customer had some difficulty communicating with TTC staff and first responders. Since Michael knew the language, he served as an interpreter. A few weeks later, his manager nominated him to do an interview on television for Transit Operator Appreciation Day.

Michael enjoys working at the TTC because he gets along with his coworkers and likes seeing the familiar faces of customers. The motto that Michael lives by is “do what you love and love what you do.”

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

• Safety Inspector (Req I.D. 5401)
• Senior Occupational Hygienist (Req I.D. 6301)

Corporate Services

• Systems Analyst (Req I.D. 6118)
• Procurement & Contract Specialist (Req I.D. 6302)
• Senior Systems Analyst (Req I.D. 4606)
• Senior Systems Analyst (Req I.D. 5949)
• Senior Testing & Quality Assurance Analyst (Req I.D. 5529)

Diversity and Culture

• Coordinator-Human Rights& Investigations (Req I.D. 6266)

Engineering, Construction & Expansion

• Design Review Technologist (Req I.D. 5868)
• Design Architect (Req I.D. 6332)

Infrastructure and Engineering

• Business Systems Analyst (Req I.D. 6363)
• Senior Inspector (Req I.D. 5543)

Innovation and Sustainability

• Manager, New Technology and Innovation (Req I.D. 6313)

Operations 

• Technical Instructor (Req I.D. 5839)

People

• Employee Experience Representative (Req I.D. 6277)

Strategy and Customer Experience

• Revenue Equipment Attendant (Req I.D. 4122)

Vehicles

• Garage Foreperson (Req I.D. 5080)
• Vehicle Engineer, Electrical (Req I.D. 5067)
• Manager, Vehicle Maintenance Engineering (Req I.D. 6282)

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

To mark the TTC’s centenary and Toronto’s Year of Public Art, a new app turns your commute into a sweet soundscape

By Briony Smith, Toronto Star, August 28, 2022 

"It’s tempting to use earbuds to tune out your commute. But this fall, the new augmented-reality (AR) smartphone app A More Beautiful Journey wants to help citizens tune in to the joys of the passing cityscape, via music custom-created for more than two dozen TTC routes."

Read the full article

Rick and Morty takes over Toronto's abandoned TTC subway station

By Jack Landau, BlogTO, August 29, 2022

"An abandoned Toronto subway station is the latest battlefront in an alien invasion. If that sounds like a great sci-fi plot, that's because it is. Sort of.

Adult Swim's smash-hit animated sci-fi/surrealist comedy Rick and Morty has landed in Toronto to promote the show's sixth season, which premieres Sept. 4."

Read the full article

Transit Briefs: TTC, Metrolinx, NJ Transit, LA Metro

By Varolina Worrell, Railway Age, August 29, 2022

"The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) celebrates 100 years with new mural at Davisville Station. Also, Metrolinx’s Exhibition and Corktown stations ready for future Ontario Line construction; NJ Transit named by Forbes as one of New Jersey’s best employers for second straight year; and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) partners with Target to expand GoPass program to Inglewood Unified School District."

Read the full article

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