Office of the Chief Executive

On December 17, the TTC and the City of Toronto will recognize Transit Worker Assault Awareness Day. The day brings attention to some of the challenges that transit workers, including TTC employees, face every day on the job.

While we have seen a significant decrease in reported offences since January 2023 – a reduction of 45 per cent – even one assault is one too many.

This past year, the TTC has taken numerous additional steps to help protect and support our frontline workers, but we know there is still work that needs to be done to enhance safety across the transit system.

We have added an additional 130 Customer Service Agents and 30 Supervisors to increase visibility and improve incident response. This is in addition to the Community Safety Ambassadors, Streets to Homes workers and security guards already in the system.

I also want to highlight employee resources that are available should you need them. This year, we launched the Trauma Assist Program, which supports individuals who have experienced trauma in the workplace by providing specialized care, managing symptoms, and building resiliency through a flexible program.

The Trauma Assist Program can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phoning through Telus Health (formerly known as Lifeworks) at 1-800-572-0039 or TTY:711 (TTY to voice) or 1-800-855-1155 (Telecommunications Relay Service). Support is also available online at the MyEAP App or workhealthlife.com.

The Trauma Assist Program is in addition to the already existing Peer Support Program. The Peer Support Program offers confidential peer support to employees who have experienced a traumatic incident at work and can be reached at 416-397-8326.

Please know that we take all instances of physical abuse, harassment and threats seriously. Our established Court Advocacy Program is there to support criminal prosecution of those charged with criminal acts against employees and we work with police to prosecute to the full extent of the law.

The safety of our employees and customers is always our top concern and we will never waver from that. Every day, you show tremendous dedication and skill to keep Toronto moving – and you deserve to feel safe while doing so.

TTC Board meets next week
​A special meeting of the TTC Board to discuss our budgets will take place on December 20. A great deal of work has been done with our colleagues at the City and our proposed budget will reflect this dialogue. The public meeting will be live-streamed on the Official TTC YouTube Channel.

Stay safe.

Richard J. Leary
​Chief Executive Officer
​​December 15, 2023