Office of the Chief Executive

Starting yesterday (February 17), several provincial health and safety restrictions were lifted. If public health indicators continue to trend in the right direction, the province will see further restrictions lifted on March 1. Each of these milestones are encouraging steps to see more people return to public transit.

Last Sunday, we began restoring service levels on some of the routes that experienced temporary reductions last November. The February Service Board Period had us also introducing service increases and other reliability improvements.

With the uptick in ridership expected with the latest reopening announcement, our focus remains on protecting existing service on our busiest routes at the busiest times of the day. Those include: Wilson, Eglinton East (RapidTO), Finch West, Jane, Lawrence East, York Mills, Steeles West, Sheppard West and Victoria Park.

Overall, ridership system-wide continues to hover at just under 50 per cent with our bus network continuing to be the workhorse of the system.

As the average weekday customer boardings for all modes continues to increase, we’re planning to restore 100 per cent of pre-pandemic service later this year.

Thanks to careful planning, we continue to maintain flexibility through a demand-responsive bus service to supplement scheduled service, where required. The TTC Board approved the 2022 Annual Service Plan last week, which outlines 25 initiatives that will improve customer experience across the network. The plan includes routing changes on 27 bus routes to improve connections to the new Line 5 Eglinton opening later this year, as well as routing changes on another five bus routes to support customer travel patterns.

Our customers can continue to rely on the TTC for safe and reliable service. I thank you all for that.

Within our organization, we continue to monitor public health guidelines, and have made our own adjustments to our COVID-19 protocols. Medical masks and physical distancing will continue to be required at TTC locations. However, we’ll now allow indoor gatherings of up to 25 people (up from 10). More information is outlined in this week’s Safety Notice (details below).

Congratulations to Rewards and Recognition award recipients
On Tuesday, the Executive Team and I congratulated 41 employees for their exceptional achievements in safety, leadership, teamwork, customer service as well as innovation and creativity. For the first time in our Rewards and Recognition program’s history, we also recognized employees for their commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging.

We’re very fortunate to have so many great people out there making a difference each and every day. I encourage you to read more about the award recipients and the inspiring work they’ve done.

I also encourage you to take some time this year to nominate someone you see doing exceptional work. You can find more information about the Rewards and Recognition program at rewards.ttc.ca.

Health and wellness supports for employees
Earlier this week, one of our bus Operators was assaulted while on duty. This is the second incident of this nature this month.

I know these events are upsetting and may be hard to process. Please remember that supports are available. The immediate and confidential Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP, also known as Lifeworks) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To get in touch with EFAP please call 1-800-572-0039. You can also access these supports on the MyEAP App or online at workhealthlife.com.

Safety is the top priority at the TTC – your safety and the safety of our customers is the most important thing to me. We’re committed to providing a safe work environment that is free from violence.

Please remain vigilant, continue to follow all safety protocols and stay safe.

Richard J. Leary
Chief Executive Officer
February 18, 2022

Ontario moving to next phase of reopening and TTC Safety COVID-19 Protocols

What does this mean for TTC COVID-19 Protocols?
Safety is paramount in all we do at the TTC. As an employer, the TTC is obligated to take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of employees and customers. As a result, some TTC safety precautions will continue to exceed the provincial guidelines for several more weeks.

Increasing TTC social gathering limits
Effective February 17, indoor and outdoor gathering limits will be increased from 10 to 25 at the TTC. Provision for medical grade masks and physical distancing will still apply. We are currently evaluating the effects of the provincial changes.

Workplace celebrations
Because of the ongoing risk of the Omicron variant, workplace celebrations at the TTC are only permitted where food is pre-packaged for “grab and go” events. Food must be eaten elsewhere. Communal sit down events are not permitted. Please see the TTC Safety Notice issued on July 16, 2021 – TTC Celebrations for details on hosting a safe event.

PPE and physical distancing requirements
At the TTC, we are maintaining the following PPE and physical distancing requirements:

• While indoors, wear medical grade masks (American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Level 2) or N95 masks at all times unless actively eating or drinking, and especially where there is potential contact with others. Masks are required even if you are working alone in your office or cubicle.

• Masks must be valveless, and cover your nose, mouth and chin at all times. Wearing a cloth mask over the medical mask (do not use two medical masks) is acceptable.

• Wear eye protection where there is exposure to others without masks and whenever physical distance (two metres or greater) cannot be maintained at all times. Eye protection may include face shields (not permitted when operating any vehicle), safety glasses with side-shields or foam gasket, and goggles.

• Medical masks are not required to be worn outdoors on TTC property if physical distance (two metres or greater) can be maintained at all times.

Non-revenue vehicle capacity limits (carpooling)

• The limit of two people allowed per vehicle will continue until at least March 1.

• All individuals riding in the vehicle must wear medical masks at all times while in the vehicle.

• Avoid eating or drinking where you must remove your mask.

• The vehicle should have ventilation optimized, such as open windows where possible.

Screen daily and stay home if sick

• Complete a daily screening prior to coming in to work.

• Stay home if you are feeling sick, even with mild COVID-19 symptoms. Do not assume your illness is something else.

Additional precautions

• All employees are encouraged to get their booster shot. A number of booster clinics have been scheduled at/close to TTC facilities.

• Wash your hands or use alcohol-based sanitizer often.

• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with an elbow or a tissue.

• Clean and disinfect shared workstations and high touch point surfaces of amenities before and after use.

Safety Notice issued on February 17, 2022