Year in review 2009
January 14: The TTC launched an e-Alert subscription service, which allows riders to receive subway/rt service disruption notifications by e-mail.
January 21: Commissioner Adam Giambrone is re-elected as TTC Chair.
March 2: The TTC introduces Automated External Defibrillators at 30 of the busiest subway stations.
April 1: Premier Dalton McGuinty announces over $7 billion for Transit City projects. They are: Eglinton Crosstown LRT, Etobicoke-Finch West LRT and the Scarborough RT upgrade and extension.
May 6: The TTC wins the American Public Transportation Association’s Gold Award for Bus Safety.
May 7: The TTC brings back PCC streetcars on Sundays on the 509 Harbourfront for the summertime.
May 15: Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Dalton McGuinty visit Harvey Shop to jointly announce $950 million to build the Sheppard East LRT.
May 18: Toronto Police Officers begin patrolling the subway system to assist with traffic, safety and security on the TTC.
June 3: The TTC introduces new security features to the Metropass, Weekly Pass and GTA Weekly Pass in an effort to thwart counterfeiting.
June 14: TTC Roadeo winners: Birchmount’s Stephen Burley; Wheel-Trans’ Stephen Brumpton; Mount Dennis’ Henry Lue, Guido DiDomenico and GianCarlo Mirolla; and Duncan Shops’ Carey Leroux.
June 30: Chief General Manager Gary Webster and Bombardier Transportation Vice President Mike Hardt signed a $1.22-billion contract for 204 new light rail vehicles. The accessible streetcars will replace the aging CLRV and ALRV fleets from 2012-2018.
August 7: The TTC officially announces the purchase of four tunnel boring machines for the Spadina subway extension. The TBMs will be manufactured in Etobicoke.
August 26: Commissioners approve the Transit City Bus Plan, which calls for bus service every 10 minutes or better on 21 Transit City Bus Network routes during the day and evening, daily, starting in the fall of 2010.
September 11: The Government of Canada’s Infrastructure Stimulus Fund announces $64 million for 20 TTC projects to be completed by spring 2011.
September 24: The TTC carries its 27 billionth rider. One billion customers are carried roughly every 30 months.
October 12: An amended TTC By-law No. 1 goes into effect with increased fines.
October 15: The TTC begins a month-long trial to improve service quality on the 501 Queen streetcar service by splitting the route into eastern and western halves.
November 20: The 6-km York University Busway is officially opened. Toronto’s first Bus Rapid Transit route connects Downsview Station and York University.
November 23: The TTC introduces a temporary Adult ticket and suspends token sales until Jan. 3, 2010 when new fare rates are introduced.
November 27: The TTC officially breaks ground on the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension. The 8.6-km extension is expected to be completed in 2015.
December 31/January 1: The TTC closes the year by providing free, midnight service to its customers courtesy of the Liberty Entertainment Group.