Office of the Chief Executive

As we near the 50-day mark in the countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026™, momentum is building across the TTC. Planning is entering its final phase, and our focus is clear: ensuring we are ready to move people safely, reliably and confidently when the world arrives.

This week, I had the opportunity to stand alongside employees during a video shoot for our internal FIFA World Cup campaign, launching later this month. Throughout the day, one thing was unmistakable – a shared understanding of the significance of what lies ahead. Every role across the TTC will shape how our city and our transit system are experienced on the world stage.

That sense of pride and purpose must continue to guide us. Hosting the FIFA World Cup will be a first for Canada, and the TTC will play a central role in delivering that experience here in Toronto. Success will require discipline, alignment, and leadership across the organization, with every team playing its part. Moments like this demand clarity of purpose and accountability from all of us.

With that responsibility in mind, I met today with our senior leadership team to align around our renewed vision: One TTC. One team with one purpose – delivering world-class transit for all. This vision is direct in what it asks of us. Every employee is accountable for strong execution in their role: driving results, addressing issues early, managing risk, and contributing to operational excellence.

What this looks like in practice was evident yesterday at our Board meeting, where we recognized Bus Operator Tom Emery for his quick thinking and professionalism on March 31. While operating in North York, Tom noticed flames and smoke coming from a nearby home. He immediately reported the situation to Transit Control so it could be escalated, helping ensure emergency responders arrived quickly. Tom also remained on scene, prepared to use his bus as a shelter vehicle, if required. His actions reflect the vigilance, care for community, and accountability we expect across the TTC.

This kind of leadership in action is exactly what our renewed vision is designed to support and scale across the organization. To embed this way of working across the TTC, we are advancing a new business plan designed to ensure we are co-ordinated, disciplined, and focused on what matters most. The plan sets clear outcomes, including: a safe work environment with the tools and resources our people need; safety and security for our customers; increased ridership; and a transit system that reduces congestion, lowers environmental impacts, and expands access to opportunity.

A key part of our work is acting with foresight and intention, not reacting after the fact. Recent incidents, including last week’s hydraulic spills, reinforce the need to take decisive action now to prevent a recurrence.

The work underway today will position us for success during the FIFA World Cup and, more importantly, strengthen the TTC for years to come. Today, on World Public Transport Day, I encourage each of you to embrace our renewed vision. Commit to excellence, safety, and teamwork in every action you take. The role we play in public transit is essential and keeps our communities moving.

If you have any feedback or comments, please send them. All feedback will be kept confidential, and I am committed to ensuring these conversations lead to meaningful action.

As One TTC, our responsibility is clear and extends beyond any single event: we must serve the people of Toronto with safe, reliable, and trusted transit, every day.

With gratitude and resolve,

Mandeep S. Lali

Chief Executive Officer

April 17, 2026