Office of the Chief Executive

As COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift across the province on January 31, we’re looking forward to seeing more customers return to the TTC. This also means that we need to continue to be vigilant to keep ourselves and others safe from the potential spread of COVID-19. We know the best way to do that is to get your third vaccine dose as soon as you can, particularly to protect yourself against the Omicron variant.

To make this easier for you and your family, the TTC is holding its first round of vaccine booster clinics until February 14. Clinics are available to employees and family members who are age 18 or older, as well as TTC consultants and contract workers with TTC IDs. Please remember that you’re eligible for a booster shot 84 days after your last COVID-19 vaccination.

You can book an appointment for the Moderna booster through the following link: https://bit.ly/TTC-employee-boosters.

Promoting an accessible transit system
It was my pleasure to personally welcome the newest members of the Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit (ACAT) at its first virtual meeting of the year yesterday (January 27).

I extended my congratulations to ACAT’s new Chair, Jonathan Marriot, and Vice Chairs, Debbie Gillespie and Anita Dressler, and welcomed the committee’s newest members, Wangari Muriuki, Elizabeth Sahoya-Shury, Erica Tanny and Howard Wax.

ACAT is relentless in its dedication to breaking down barriers and building accessible transit. ACAT meets virtually on the last Thursday of every month.

I’d like to also take the opportunity this week to bring your attention to our collaboration with the Ontario Public Transit Association on an awareness campaign to promote accessibility on our public transit systems.

The EnAbling Change Program, administered by the Ontario Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility, is designed to raise awareness of the various barriers faced by seniors and people with disabilities in our communities. Its ultimate goal is to promote courtesy and understanding for our fellow customers when taking transit.

The Marketing and Customer Experience Department launched the digital phase of the campaign this week with messages and illustrations emphasizing priority seating and vehicle loading etiquette, plus a reminder to riders that not all disabilities are always visible. The second phase of the EnAbling Change campaign kicks off in early February with vehicle and station posters, and runs until the end of the month.

Another important initiative to help make the TTC more accessible for customers of all abilities is our new partnership with Magnusmode’s MagnusCards. This is a digital life skills app to help individuals with autism and other cognitive disabilities use the transit network.

TTC MagnusCards provide step-by-step visual, audio and text-based guidance on various aspects of riding the TTC. The decks also include help with fares and passes, trip planning and contacting the TTC Customer Service Centre.

The app is a free download in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Please visit ttc.ca for more information.

Please keep safe.

Richard J. Leary
Chief Executive Officer
January 28, 2022