Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the TTC began the day with a Sunrise Ceremony at Hillcrest Complex. I encourage everyone to take some time to reflect and learn about Truth and Reconciliation, as well as the history of Indigenous Peoples and residential schools. We have resources below so you can learn more. 

ATC complete on Line 1

This week, I was proud to participate in an announcement that Automatic Train Control (ATC) signalling is now fully activated and operational on the entirety of Line 1 Yonge-University. I’m grateful to staff and crews in Infrastructure and Engineering, along with our ATC Project teams, for completing this major assignment.

This is an enormous accomplishment for the TTC. Throughout many weekend subway closures over the last number of years, crews installed more than 250 signals, 2,000 beacons and other trackside equipment; performed special track work in the tunnels; and laid down more than one million feet of cabling.

The modernization of our signalling system is one more way the TTC is working to provide a better experience for our customers as we continue to welcome them back.

Rewards and Recognition

On Wednesday, we held a virtual Rewards and Recognition ceremony. Employees who have done amazing work in the areas of Customer Service, Diversity, Innovation and Creativity, Leadership, Safety and Teamwork were celebrated. All recipients were nominated by a colleague who noticed their above-and-beyond contributions. 

It was encouraging to see people from all over the organization recognized. We had representation from Operations, Stations, Revenue Protection, Research and Analytics, I.T. Services, Bus Maintenance and Shops, Signals/Electrical/Communications and many other departments. 

It takes an incredible level of excellence and endurance to do what we do every day and night, 24/7, 365 days a year, to keep our city moving forward. Congratulations to all the award recipients for your efforts in making the TTC a world-class transit system.

2022 Roadeo Challenge

This week, the TTC 2022 Roadeo Challenge got underway. Bus Operators and Maintenance employees competed in the divisional run-offs at Arrow Road Division and Malvern Division. I'm looking forward to seeing the finalists compete in the Grand Championship at Arrow Road Division this Sunday. The competition begins at 9 a.m. and the awards ceremony will be held at 3:30 p.m.

Have a good weekend and stay safe.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. It is also Orange Shirt Day.

The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. The orange shirt is an Indigenous-led grassroots symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. It is meant to raise awareness of the individual, family and community impacts of residential schools, and to promote the expression "Every Child Matters."  

At the TTC, it's important that we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In addition to the buttons and postcards available at all work locations, today TTC uniformed employees can wear an orange shirt over their uniform. Orange “Every Child Matters” flags will be installed on buses, and decals will be installed on streetcars and Wheel-Trans vehicles.

Watch the video below to listen to the Honour Song, which is sung to remember the lives lost and the survivors affected by the legacy of residential schools.

Resources available

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation reminds us of the devastating history and ongoing effects of residential schools on the Indigenous community. The TTC encourages all employees to take time to learn about and recognize Indigenous histories. Here are some resources to learn more:

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
• Indigenous Service Canada
• Eco-Canada: Indigenous Cultural Self-Reflection Training
• Government of Canada - Indigenous Learning Series
• United Nations Briefing Notes: Gender and Indigenous Women

Find more resources and videos on the MyTTC | SAP Jam employee app.

Let’s Talk Fatigue: Employee Fatigue Survey closing September 30

Fatigue is more than just feeling tired. It impairs our health, alertness and our ability to work safely. Tell us how fatigue impacts you and take this survey today.

Volunteer at the TTC’s first ever Halloween Fest in Bay Lower Station

Organizers are looking for volunteers to help with crowd management, stroller parking, and general guest services. See the poster for more details.

Donate to the 2022 United Way Campaign

Help reach this year’s goal of raising $750,000 for United Way Greater Toronto. Click here to access the online donation form.

United Way funds agencies all over the GTA that alleviate food insecurity, homelessness, and gaps in the mental healthcare system. Learn more on the campaign’s MyTTC | SAP Jam page.

Get involved with the TTC Family Day event at Mount Dennis Division

When: Sunday, October 16, 2022

Where: Mount Dennis Division, 121 Industry St.

It's not too late to volunteer or enter a car in the car show! The deadline to apply has been extended. See the poster for contact details.

Sign up for the United Way Wasaga Beach Paintball Adventure

When: Saturday, October 22, 2022, 9:30 a.m.

Where: Wasaga Adventure Park (3600 Vigo Rd., Elmvale)

Admission is $40 per person and includes paintball equipment and lunch. The event is open to family and friends aged 12 or older and the deadline to register is October 14. Check out the poster for more details and contact information.

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 completes implementation of Automatic Train Control on Line 1

This week, the TTC announced that trains on Line 1 began operating using the ATC signaling system.”

Watch a video to learn more about the benefits of the TTC’s ATC signalling system.

ATC implementation on Line 1 depended on the hard work of several different teams at the TTC. We asked a few of those involved to tell us about the challenges they faced and what they are most proud of. Read their stories below. 

Raman Chhibbar – ATC Train Control Engineering Manager

Raman started work at the TTC 14 years ago as a Design Engineer – Signals. He has been part of the ATC Project for the last seven. Raman works with internal departments and external consultants who are responsible for overseeing the design, engineering and commissioning of the ATC system and all its subsystems. He also investigates ATC-related issues that can cause service delays on Line 1 and works to resolve these issues with software and/or hardware updates.

“I am most proud of how all the various departments at the TTC (such as Corporate Safety, Operations and the Operations Training Centre) came together on a multi-year and very complex re-signalling project to make it a success,” he said.

“As the construction and installation of the ATC system was accomplished in-house, I’m proud of the tremendous efforts of the Signals/Electrical/Communications Department and the unionized employees that participated throughout the life of the project. Without a ‘one team’ approach, this level of success could not have been achieved.”

Ian Ferguson – Signals & Communications Supervisor (ATC Construction)

Ian began his career at the TTC 26 years ago as a temp Electrician Assistant in Substations. He has since held several roles, including as a Signals Technician and Shop Steward, which helped him discover and develop his abilities as a leader.

Ian’s current role includes supervising night crews to support ATC testing and supervising the Relay Shop. He planned work activities to meet schedules and deadlines; ensured work materials were available and onsite; arranged track access and resources like workcars and operators; and liaised with ATC Testing and Alstom.

“There was so much involved in completing tasks and keeping on schedule, including learning how to find a way to complete tasks when things didn’t work out as planned,” he said. “Our group completed every phase of the project on or before schedule, including finishing Phase 5 construction five months early during the pandemic. I am proud of all the effort my crews put in for ATC construction to be a success.”

Jasmine Perot – Manager, Corporate Deliverables

Jasmine has worked at the TTC for six years, the last four on the ATC Project. She started as a Project Coordinator in the Capital Project Delivery Office.

In her current role, she develops and coordinates initiatives as per the CEO’s corporate plan within Infrastructure and Engineering. ATC falls under “Moving our customers seamlessly.” She uses her skills in coordination and scheduling for construction-related work as part of the ATC Project.

“There were so many phases to this project and each phase was an accomplishment in itself, but to be a part of the overall completion on an entire Line, that’s a huge accomplishment for the TTC and I am proud to be a part of it,” she said.

Bus Transportation and Bus Maintenance Roadeo Challenge championship this weekend

The TTC's Bus Transportation and Bus Maintenance departments will participate in the 2022 Roadeo Challenge, an annual driving competition, on October 2.

The grand championship will take place at Arrow Road Division from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the awards ceremony will begin at 3:30 p.m.

See the poster for more information.

TTC Connects hosting a Women as Transit Operators virtual hiring information session

Do you know a woman looking for a rewarding career? Tell them about the “TTC Connects: Women as Transit Operators” virtual information session, where they can learn more about being a Transit Operator at the TTC.

The event will take place on October 19, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Participants can register at ttc.ca/join.

Please share this information on LinkedIn or with anyone you think may be interested.

TTC and the City welcome back Nuit Blanche

The City of Toronto has partnered with the TTC to welcome back Nuit Blanche, Toronto’s all-night celebration of contemporary art, from October 1 beginning at 7 p.m. until October 2 at 7 a.m. Two exhibits will be available at TTC’s Kipling and North York Centre stations.

TTC subway service will operate all night until regularly scheduled Sunday service resumes at 8 a.m. Night buses and streetcars will operate as normal.

You can see TTC’s service schedule for Nuit Blanche at ttc.ca and learn more about the event at toronto.ca.

TTC employees save 20 per cent on admission to Little Canada

Receive a 20 per cent discount on general admission to Little Canada as a TTC employee. See the poster for more details.

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

| Rewards and Recognition

Congratulations to the Customer Service Award recipients

Each week, MyTTC | Weekly will feature award recipients from the six different Rewards and Recognition categories: customer service, safety, innovation and creativity, leadership, teamwork, and diversity.

The Customer Service Award recognizes individuals who are committed to delivering excellent customer service. Congratulations to this September's winners!

You can read more about all of the Rewards and Recognition winners on MyTTC | The Coupler.

Cameron Baxter

Station Collector

Stations

Benjamin Jose

Fare Inspector

Revenue Protection

David Patino

Operator

Bus Transportation

Anthony Pesce

Fare Inspector

Revenue Protection

Ricky Rideout

Operator

Wheel-Trans

Mark your calendar

Events and observances from October 3-16, 2022

October - Canadian Islamic History Month, Disability Employment Awareness Month, German Heritage Month, Latin American Heritage Month, Women's History Month

October 4 - Yom Kippur begins at sundown (Judaism)

October 5 - Dussehra (Hinduism)

October 5 - Navaratri ends (Hinduism)

October 5 - Yom Kippur ends (Judaism)

October 8 - Mawlid al Nabi (Islam)

October 9 - Sukkot begins at sundown (Judaism)

October 10 - Thanksgiving

October 10 - World Mental Health Day

October 11 - International Day of the Girl

October 11 - National Coming Out Day

October 16 - Shemini Atzeret begins at sundown (Judaism)

October 16 - Sukkot ends (Judaism)

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

• Manager, Safety, Health & Environment Policy & Strategy (Req I.D. 6405)

Corporate Services

• Programmer Analyst (Req I.D. 5941)

Engineering, Construction & Expansion

• Design Engineer, Power (Req I.D. 6387)
• Manager, Utilities (Req I.D. 6415)
• Construction Clerk (Req I.D. 6321)

Infrastructure and Engineering

• Foreperson, Track Training (Req I.D. 6412)
• Utilities Assistant (Req I.D. 6469)
• Engineering Technologist-Track (Req I.D. 6361)
• Administrative Assistant (Req I.D. 6535)
• Senior Engineer, Noise and Vibration (Req I.D. 5920)

Operations

• Manager, Bus Services (Req I.D. 6476)
• Operations Supervisor Trainee (Pool) (Req I.D. 6523)
• Statistical Analyst (Req I.D. 6489)
• Clerk, Uniforms (Req I.D. 6547)

Strategy and Customer Experience

• Loss Prevention Compliance Investigator (Req I.D. 6486)

Vehicles

• Garage Foreperson (Req I.D. 5080)
• Yard Control Despatcher (Req I.D. 5829)
• Vehicle Engineer, Mechanical (Req I.D. 6160)

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

GO Expansion progresses along the Barrie Line

Metrolinx News, September 27, 2022 

"Construction continues along the Barrie GO Line. Here’s the latest updates on what’s happening along the line.

The Barrie GO Line is undergoing big changes.

Over the next 10 years, Metrolinx’s GO Expansion program will deliver more frequent, all-day, two-way service to the region."

Read the full article

TTC service just got a whole lot faster and more reliable with a major project complete

By Jack Landau, BlogTO, September 27, 2022

"Say goodbye to many of those frustrating weekend closures and other frequent hiccups on the TTC's Line 1, thanks to the long-awaited completion of the new Automatic Train Control (ATC) system commissioned during the last weekend of September.

As of Saturday, September 24, Canada's busiest subway line boasts improved capacity and reliability, and one of the main factors behind frequent and annoying weekend shutdowns is now in the history books."

Read the full article

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