Office of the Chief Executive

Last Saturday’s (September 17) Harvey Shop/Streetcar Way Open House for the United Way Greater Toronto was a big hit with more than 2,000 visitors making the trip to Hillcrest.

A vintage GM bus shuttled people back and forth from Bathurst Station, while a Peter Witt streetcar offered rides around the Hillcrest property. Both proved to be very popular attractions.

Guests had the opportunity to drop in to the Streetcar Way Building to see a rail bending demonstration and a variety of streetcar infrastructure machinery. The doors to Harvey Shop were also opened to showcase the great diversity of fabrication and repair done there. In the yard, many of our vehicles were on full display so that kids and adults alike could check out the different models and sit in the Operator’s seat.

It was took a tremendous effort by employees from multiple groups and departments to pull off such a huge, memorable event. My thanks to the United Way team and everyone involved. It was a terrific time, raised money for an important cause and provided our customers with a valuable glimpse into what it takes behind the scenes to get the service they expect from the TTC.

Public Forum on Accessible Transit
I’d like to thank everyone who attended the virtual Public Forum on Accessible Transit, which took place Thursday night (September 22). Staff presentations began at 7 p.m. and were followed by a public question-and-answer session.

The feedback we received from customers and the general public at the forum is essential in helping us to improve our accessible conventional and specialized transit services.

This year’s panellists included: Chief Diversity and Culture Officer Keisha Campbell, Wheel-Trans Head (Acting) Cameron Penman, Streetcar Transportation Head Deb Lyon, Customer Policy Manager Matt Hagg, Service Planning Manager Laurence Lui and ACAT Chair Jonathan Marriott. A big thank you to all those who helped make this event happen.

2022 Roadeo Challenge
The 2022 Roadeo Challenge gets underway next week. Bus Operators and Maintenance Drivers will be competing for bragging rights with divisional run-offs on September 27 at Arrow Road Division and September 29 at Malvern Division. Finalists will advance to the Grand Championship at Arrow Road Division on Sunday, October 2. Friends and family members are welcome to attend the skills competition and awards presentations. Looking forward to seeing everyone here.

Stay safe.

Richard J. Leary
Chief Executive Officer
September 23, 2022