Successful weekend closure: “You did the TTC proud”

Dear TTC colleagues,

This past weekend, the TTC successfully managed its biggest-ever planned closure when the YUS line was closed south of Bloor to allow work to take place at Union as we renew our signalling system in preparation for roll out of automatic train control (ATC).

The fact that the subway was handed back on time and that our teams completed all planned activities is down to the professionalism and sheer hard work of our ATC team led by Pete Tomlin and our fantastic signalling teams under the direction of Keith Watling.

While this work was undertaken, Subway Track completed turnout rehabilitation and track cleaning while our Plant Maintenance teams carried out a host of improvement works at closed stations on the “U”.

Obviously, we had to keep our customers moving while the subway was closed. A major bus shuttle was put into place and staff and signage were deployed at all stations so that customers knew where to go. When coverage of Operator shifts became tight, Operators volunteered to stay on following fantastic work by divisional Managers and Clerks to get the jobs covered. Meanwhile, on the subway, Transit Control and subway Operators kept customers informed and kept the rest of the system moving.

To everyone that worked on the weekend, and that was involved in the planning and execution of this major planned closure, thank you. You did the TTC proud.

Andy Byford
Chief Executive Officer
August 12, 2013

On Sat., Aug. 10 and Sun., Aug. 11, inclusive, TTC  crews conducted major work to upgrade the signal system on the entire “U” portion of  the Yonge-University-Spadina Subway, from Bloor through to St George. Trains on the University-Spadina line turned back north at St George Station and trains on the Yonge line turned back north at Bloor-Yonge Station. Shuttle buses ran every three minutes. TTC staff offered customer assistance.