Office of the Chief Executive

By now, you will be well aware of the derailment we experienced on Line 3 earlier this week. While we don’t yet know what caused it, the work to investigate is well underway with several leading industry experts assisting our staff.

What we do know is that at approximately 6:45 p.m. on July 24, the trailing car of a southbound SRT train derailed south of Ellesmere Station. About 45 people were evacuated from the train, with five taken to hospital with minor injuries.

I want to stress that safety is paramount to everything we do, and we are taking every necessary action to ensure the well-being and safety of our customers and employees.

I want to express my thanks for the work of emergency responders and all the TTC employees who were involved.

We now know the investigation will take at least three weeks to conclude and we will make further decisions at that time. We will share more information with employees and the public as it becomes available.

Backpack drive and Caribbean Carnival Parade
The TTC has a number of special events coming up that I would like you to know about.

Volunteer organizers from the TTC Recreation Council are supporting the Toronto and Region Chapter of Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) with its annual backpack and fundraising drive. From now until August 23, employees are being asked to donate backpacks and school supplies for children and teens in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas around the city.

Drop boxes are located at all transportation divisions and several other properties, including Hillcrest and Head Office. This year’s goal is to collect 500 new backpacks and an assortment of school supplies. See below for more information.

I want remind everyone also that the TTC is participating in the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade on August 5. The TTC Bacchanal Bus and 120 employees and their guests will be on the parade route. In celebration of Caribbean heritage, please look for upcoming employee features in the Weekly, on workplace TV screens and posters through the month of August.

Stay safe.

Richard J. Leary
Chief Executive Officer
July 28, 2023