TTC Board Highlights

TTC Board commends Bus Operator Tom Emery
Board members thanked and applauded Queensway Operator Tom Emery. On the very early morning of March 31, Tom was driving the 337 Islington overnight bus when he saw flames and smoke emitting from the rear of a house in the Steeles/Islington area of North York. He immediately called Transit Control and remained on scene with his bus just in case there was a need for a shelter vehicle. Tom’s actions were praised by the Toronto Fire Chief.

Improving LRT and Streetcar Speed and Reliability
​The TTC Board approved a report on improving LRT and streetcar speed and reliability, with recommendations to staff to continue to:

• Implement enhanced Transit Signal Priority strategies on Lines 5 and 6 and streetcar routes;

• Review and implement operating rule changes related to Light Rail Transit and streetcar operating speeds;

• Implement and expand Transit Signal Priority in the city to improve transit travel times; and

• Perform a network-wide review of streetcar stop spacing informed by international benchmarks, service standards, and accessibility best practices.

The Board passed the following motions:

• Direct the TTC to request the City of Toronto and Transportation Services to develop strategies to address delays and congestion at surface transit terminus hubs to improve on-time performance and reliability, and consider implementing measures, such as turn restrictions, signal priority, and modifying or installing new stop lights to prioritize access and egress for transit vehicles at station entrances.

• TTC staff investigate, at busier stops, raising streetcar stop levels to improve speed along streetcar lines.

Commissioners also requested that staff report back to the TTC Board in Q1 2027 with an update on LRT and streetcar speed, reliability initiatives and communications plans for any changes.

To improve streetcar and LRT speed and reliability, the TTC is advancing a suite of operational and infrastructure measures. Compared to the initial openings, average afternoon peak round-trip travel time has improved by approximately 10 minutes on Line 5 and approximately 20 minutes on Line 6. Those measures are:

• Surface Transit Priority Measures Toolkit: In partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University, a comprehensive framework is being developed to identify congestion and delay issues. This includes guiding a co-ordinated implementation of transit priority solutions, including curb regulations, transit lanes, turn restrictions, transit signal priority (TSP), and stop balancing.

• Streetcar Switch Modernization: The TTC continues to upgrade the current obsolete electrically controlled switches as part of an ongoing multiyear signalling modernization program with a focus on eliminating “stop-check-go” where feasible and safe to do so.

• Operating Rules Review: A systematic review of speed-related operating rules is underway for streetcar and LRT.

• Transit Signal Priority Enhancements: Recent TSP enhancements, including green extensions, red truncations, lagging left-turns, and phase rotation have delivered travel time savings of up to 42% per intersection. In 2026, the TTC and the City project at least 70 new or updated installations, with long-term plans to expand TSP to over 800 intersections. Additional staffing and resources are expected to be modest and will be addressed through future capital and operating budget submissions, subject to Board approval.

• Streetcar Stop Balancing: A network-wide review of streetcar stop spacing is in progress, informed by international benchmarks and accessibility best practices. Recommendations will align with future updated Service Standards.

• Line Management Enhancements: Interventions, including dwell time reduction, improved line supervision, and terminal procedures, have reduced travel time and improved service reliability.

Body-Worn Camera Policy Updates to Support Pilot for Station Staff
​The TTC Board approved an update report for the Body-Worn Camera Policy to support a pilot for Station staff. The report included the following recommendations:

• Approve the updates to the Body-Worn Camera and In-Car Camera Policy, included as Attachment 1.

• Approve an eight-month Body-Worn Camera pilot for Group Station Managers, Duty Station Managers, and Stations Supervisors, beginning May 2026.

• Approve a Body-Worn Camera pilot for Customer Service Agents during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ period, beginning June 2026, conditional upon ATU Local 113’s agreement to participate.

The TTC is planning to expand the use of Body-Worn Cameras to Station Staff in May 2026 as part of FIFA World Cup 2026™ readiness and to support employee safety and improve the customer experience. The implementation requires approval of updates to the TTC’s Body-Worn Camera and In-Car Camera Policy that incorporate Station Staff and their responsibilities and use of the cameras.

Phase I of the pilot will run from May 1 to December 31, 2026, with further implementation planned as part of Phase II in 2027. The TTC will report back to the Board in Q1 2027 on the results of the pilot, including Key Performance Indicators and feedback from additional consultation with employees, customers, and the public.

TTC staff continues to engage in active, constructive discussions with ATU Local 113 regarding the potential rollout to of body-worn cameras during the World Cup to Customer Service Agents as part of the pilot program. These consultations are being approached in a collaborative and transparent manner, with a clear focus on understanding impacts, addressing concerns, and identifying mutually beneficial solutions.

The purpose of body-worn cameras for Station Staff is to:

• Enhance customer and employee safety;

• Promote consistent, high-quality customer service by reinforcing accountability;

• Provide additional evidence for investigations, oversight, and legal purposes; and

• Provide data to improve transit system safety, security, and training.

TTC Special Constable Service 2025 Annual Report
​The TTC Board received the TTC Special Constable Service 2025 Annual Report. The report provides an annual update on services provided by the Special Constable Service and is sub-mitted to the Toronto Police Service Board (TPSB) as per Section 9.12 of the Special Constable Agreement between the TPSB and the TTC. The report will be forwarded to the City of Toronto's Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit for review, with a request to comment on the collection of race-related statistics.

In 2025, the Special Constable Service made significant strides in strengthening its operational readiness across the transit system by enhancing operational capacity, service delivery, and community-focused responses. While the Department made meaningful progress in advancing operational readiness, there were no major material changes during the reporting period.

Four priority areas were advanced by the Special Constable Service in 2025:

• Operational Capacity – In 2025, the Department recruited 23 new Special Constables, five new Acting Supervisors, and expanded the Community Engagement Unit with three additional staff members. The Department also obtained approval from the Ministry of the Solicitor General to be designated as a Special Constable Employer under the new Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA).

• Responding to an Expanding System – Special Constables supported the phased openings of Line 6 in late 2025 and Line 5 in early 2026, reinforcing rider confidence and system reliability. Additionally, the Department also received approval for a new Bicycle Unit, which will aim to improve patrol capabilities and allow Officers to respond more efficiently across the system.

• Co-ordinating Responses to Mental Health Crises – In alignment with the TTC’s Community, Safety, Security, and Well-Being Plan (2024-2028), the Department enhanced its high-visibility presence at subway stations and supported the Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS), a 24/7 crisis response team present at key stations to support individuals experiencing mental health crises on the transit system.

• Proactive Community Engagement – Special Constables participated in various outreach initiatives and events, including the TTC Community PEERS Pilot Program, which aims at addressing youth unrest and violence on the transit system.

The Special Constable Service remains steadfast in its duty to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all TTC riders and employees.

Financial and Major Projects Update for the Period Ended December 31, 2025
​Commissioners received a status update of the TTC’s major capital projects for the period ended December 31, 2025. Since the last Major Projects Update report last December, the following are key highlights:

Subway Portfolio
​• Easier Access Program: Christie, Warden, Summerhill, and Lawrence stations became accessible in December 2025 (Lawrence was completed ahead of Q1 2026 target), and Greenwood in February 2026, resulting in 91% station accessibility (64 of 70).

• Purchase of New Subway Trains: The contract was awarded to Alstom in December 2025. The trains will be manufactured at facilities in Thunder Bay, Kingston, and Toronto, supporting 946 jobs in Canada, including 285 in Ontario, and increasing Canadian Content to 55%.

• Stations Transformation Program: Completed camera installation at all 70 stations, providing at least 90% camera coverage.

Bus and Wheel-Trans Portfolio
​• Scarborough Rapid Transit (SRT) Busway: The forecasted in-service date was accelerated to September 2026.

• Purchase of eBuses: 337 of 340 eBuses have been delivered, of which 259 are in service.

• eBus Charging Systems: As of April 2026, 26 charge points are in service at Wilson Garage. To date, 124 of the 248 planned charge points have been commissioned.

• Purchase of Wheel-Trans Buses: All 85, six-metre ProMaster buses have been delivered, and are in service.

Streetcar Portfolio
​• Purchase of 60 Streetcars: All 60 streetcars have been delivered, are in service, and project closeout has commenced.

• Hillcrest Facility: Construction of the streetcar storage and maintenance facility continues within and north of Harvey Shop.

• Russell Carhouse: The Track and Yard Overhaul has been completed and the contract for the Interior Modifications and Carhouse Extension was awarded in December 2025.

Network Wide Portfolio
​• SAP Enterprise Resource Planning Implementation: The Board Period Sign-Up solution has been implemented across all bus divisions, digitizing and streamlining Operator bidding and work assignment selections.

• VISION: Implementation of the Smart Yard technology has been completed at eight of 10 facilities. The final two facilities will be commissioned by May 2026, signifying the completion of the program.

• PRESTO: Fare Vending Machines have been installed at three of the four priority Neighbourhood Improvement Areas.

Procurement Authorization – Wheel-Trans Mobile Data Terminal and Automatic Vehicle Location Solution and Support Services
​Board members approved the award of a contract worth $10,599,874.60, inclusive of HST, to Innovations in Transportation (INIT) Inc. for the Wheel-Trans Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) and Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) hardware, software, implementation, and support services for an initial term of 11.5 years commencing on May 1, 2026, with an option for a two-year extension for ongoing support and maintenance, valued at $1,559,761.60, inclusive of HST, resulting in a total potential contract value of $12,159,636.20, inclusive of HST.

The current MDT and AVL technology installed on Wheel-Trans vehicles has reached end-of-life, which creates operational and reliability risks. As part of the Wheel-Trans 10-Year Transformation Program, the TTC is modernizing key operational systems to ensure the service remains reliable, accessible, and capable of meeting future service expectations.

Fare Collection Update
​Commissioners approved a confidential update report on the status of the 2012 TTC-Metrolinx Master E-Fare Collection Outsourcing Agreement. The Agreement outlines that it would automatically renew for five years (to 2032) unless either the TTC or Metrolinx provided 24-months’ notice of their desire not to renew. In May 2025, Metrolinx provided notice to the TTC to opt-out of the automatic renewal prior to the November 27, 2025 deadline, and their intent to negotiate a new contract.

The Board also passed the following motions:

• Given the importance of an automated fare collection system for the TTC’s revenue collection, and ensuring the DTTC understands value for money of current industry offerings, the TTC Board directs TTC staff to complete a market sounding for an automated fare collection system.

• Direct the TTC CEO to engage with Metrolinx to make the necessary PRESTO process and technical enhancements to improve the TTC’s Post-Secondary fare products (including enabling Fare Capping) by offering a digital solution similar to GO Transit’s Student ID and to develop a PRESTO-enabled Support Person Assistance Card.

Motion without Notice – Addressing Fluid Leaks and Mechanical Service Disruptions to Ensure Better Service Reliability on the TTC
​Commissioners passed a Notice without Motion by Commissioner Josh Matlow requesting the TTC CEO report to the Board in Q3 2026 on an action plan to address infrastructure related service delays, and include in the report to the TTC Board on the updated Capital Investment Plan as part of the 2027 Budget process the strategy by identifying unfunded capital investments as a part of 2026-2040 Capital Investment Plan that would contribute to the reduction of delays.

The first weeks of April saw several major service disruptions on the TTC, including hydraulic fluid leaks on April 8 and 10, and signal failures impacting service on April 9. Each of these incidents led to prolonged closures along Line 2 Bloor-Danforth, the dispatch of shuttle buses, and major impacts for Torontonians trying to get to work, school, or appointments on time.

Motion without Notice – Responding to Bill 98, Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026
​Commissioners passed a Notice without Motion by TTC Chair Jamaal Myers requesting the following:

1. Endorse the following key principles to guide TTC staff participation in consultations with the Province of Ontario on the province’s regulatory framework under the Fare Alignment and Seamless Transit Act, 2026:

   a. Local authority to develop local solutions to transportation needs – Preserve the autonomy of local transit systems to introduce fare and service policies that meet the needs of local communities and riders, keep transit affordable, and treat all Toronto residents equitably as a key component of the City’s approach to local transportation and congestion management.

   b. Protect local transit service quality – Preserve service quality and standards relied upon by our customers – proposals must not negatively impact the experience of most customers who travel within the City of Toronto in efforts to improve cross-boundary travel for the 18% who currently make a connecting trip to GO or a 905-transit system.

   c. No unfunded provincial mandates – Provincial decisions to set fares and/or service be matched with full funding (operating and capital) by the Province of Ontario.

   d. Value for money – where provincial directives require the use of specific fare payment systems, unified booking systems, or other changes that have a financial impact to the TTC, there must be clear demonstration that the systems offer value for money, respect Toronto taxpayers, and are efficiently and effectively delivered.

   e. Respect local transit system expertise and planning process – Consultation that respects the expertise and planning processes of local transit systems, customers and its employees, during both the development of the regulatory framework and when decisions are made using the regulations enacted under the Act.

   f. Good governance – ensure opportunities for local transit systems, communities, and labour partners to have voice in decision making supported by a sustainable provincial funding model for public transit.

2. Request the Ontario Minister of Transportation provide an opportunity for public feedback on any regulatory framework or regulations proposed under Bill 98, Schedule 4, the Fare Alignment and Seamless Transit Act, 2026.

3. Request TTC staff to support public advocacy efforts by transit riders and other stakeholders to advance the principles outlined in Recommendation 1.

Notice of Motion – Audible Stop Announcements on Line 5 and Line 6
​Commissioners passed a Notice of Motion by Commissioner Dianne Saxe, subject to approval by the official monitor as appointed by the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, with the following recommendations:

1. That the TTC adopt a quarterly audit cycle for stop announcement compliance requirements arising from Lepofsky v. TTC #1 (2005) and Lepofsky v. TTC #2 (2007), applicable across all TTC operated modes, including Lines 5 (Eglinton Crosstown) and 6 (Finch West), with audit findings consolidated and reported on a quarterly basis to the Tribunal, the Official Monitor, the Ontario Human Rights Commission and David Lepofsky.

2. That the TTC advise the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, and the Official Monitor, that it will consent to the application of the audible route stop announcement requirements in Lepofsky v. TTC #2 to Lines 5 and 6, treating the LRT vehicles to the extent that compliance is within TTC’s authority or capacity, and that audits for these lines will identify stop announcement issues and any actions taken with respect to TTC staff involvement, while acknowledging that TTC cannot be held accountable for, and will not report on, corrective actions related to technical operating systems owned, maintained, or controlled by third parties.

3. That the TTC continue the established practice of raising issues, proposed improvements, and suggestions related to stop announcement monitoring and reporting directly with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario designated Official Monitor, and allowing for the evolution of oversight practices as system modernization continues, in support of conducting reviews that meaningfully serve the accessibility community.

4. That the TTC continue established practices to ensure stop announcements and related fail-safes remain core elements of operator training for all modes TTC operates, including buses, streetcars, subways, and Lines 5 and 6, with clear expectations regarding operator responsibilities when automated systems fail.

5. That the TTC continue established protocols requiring operators to promptly notify designated personnel when automated stop announcement systems are not operating consistently or reliably.

6. That the TTC request that Metrolinx and its vehicle maintainers for Line 5 and Line 6 properly maintain the automated stop announcements systems and ensure that those systems comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

7. That TTC will not apply to the Human Rights Tribunal to materially reduce or eliminate any other terms of the orders in Lepofsky v. TTC #1 and/or Lepofsky v. TTC #2 without first obtaining a mandate to do so from the TTC Board.

Next meeting of the TTC Board
​The next regular scheduled TTC Board Meeting will be on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

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