Office of the Chief Executive

On Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day, I had the opportunity to connect with team members across the organization, listening to your experiences and personally extending my thanks for the work you do each day.

I started the day at the Arrow Road Division, meeting with Operators and the many support staff who keep service running smoothly. I also toured Arrow Road Garage, where Manager Jason McBride and his team of Mechanics demonstrated how they keep our buses safe, reliable and ready for service. The pride, technical expertise, and care shown by our employees were evident in every corner of the facility.

From there, I travelled along Line 1, stopping at stations to chat with team members before returning to Davisville for a celebration with corporate departments. At each stop, I was met by engaged team members who shared thoughtful feedback and practical solutions for tackling everyday challenges.

Everything we achieve as an organization is made possible by you, taking ownership of your work, sharing ideas, and speaking up about opportunities to improve how we operate.

As you receive your One TTC pin over the coming days, I encourage you to wear it proudly. It represents the collective effort, skill, and resilience that define this organization.

That pride and progress do not diminish the seriousness of several security incidents that occurred on our system this week. Incidents like these have a real impact on how our customers and employees feel when they use and work on transit, and that matters.

Earlier this week, I spoke directly with Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw. We share a clear and common understanding: safety on public transit is a priority for both of our organizations, and we will continue to work closely together to keep it that way.

We have acted, and we will continue to act, with a renewed approach over the coming weeks. This includes an increased and more visible presence at high-priority stations, such as Bloor-Yonge and St George, along with a strengthened deployment of Special Constables and Provincial Offences Officers across the subway system. Visibility, engagement, and interaction with customers are essential to restoring confidence.

While the TTC is statistically safer today than it was three years ago, incidents like these can quickly erode a sense of safety. Being present, attentive, and responsive is how we rebuild it, together.

This focus on safety, presence, and preparedness is not limited to the incidents of the past week – it is foundational to the work ahead. As we plan for events that will place unprecedented demand on our system, including the FIFA World Cup™, the expectations of customers, partners, and the City will be higher than ever. The steps we are taking now, and the discipline we apply every day, will shape how ready we are to meet that moment.

Thank you for everything you do to serve our customers and support one another. Together, we are building a future we can all be proud of.

With gratitude and resolve,

Mandeep S. Lali
​Chief Executive Officer
​March 20, 2026