Office of the Chief Executive

This morning, I stood alongside Mayor Olivia Chow and members of our World Cup Project Team to outline how the TTC is preparing to support fans, residents, and visitors during the FIFA World Cup 2026™. I spoke about the scale of the task ahead and the essential role the TTC will play in moving the city safely and efficiently during a truly global event.

A key part of that effort is our Special Event Ambassador program. I want to sincerely thank the employees who have already stepped forward to take on this role. Your willingness to represent the TTC on the ground, support customers, and help visitors navigate our system reflects the very best of this organization.

Identifiable in their Team TTC jerseys, Special Event Ambassadors will provide in-person wayfinding support and real-time information at major venues and transit hubs. For many visitors, this will be their first experience on the TTC. The professionalism, knowledge, and care shown by our Ambassadors will help shape how Toronto and its transit system are seen on the world stage. If you haven’t yet, please sign up to be a Special Event Ambassador for FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Our planning is already moving from paper to practice. Tomorrow, May 9, more than 45,000 fans are expected at BMO Field for the Toronto FC versus Inter Miami CF match. This event gives us a valuable opportunity to test elements of our major event readiness under real world conditions, learn from the experience, and strengthen our service and customer support plans, where needed.

That same message carried through yesterday when I joined Toronto Region Board of Trade President and CEO Giles Gherson and Metrolinx CEO Michael Lindsay for a panel discussion on FIFA World Cup™ preparations along the waterfront.

I was clear that the TTC is testing early, co-ordinating closely with city and regional partners, and preparing to meet unprecedented travel demand. At the centre of that confidence is the operational expertise of TTC employees, whose work will ultimately define the experience for hundreds of thousands of customers.

With just under a month to go before the World Cup begins, our focus is firmly on being operationally ready, resilient, and aligned. I want to thank employees across the organization who are contributing to this work. Your teamwork, commitment to safety, and focus on customer service make these plans real.

Delivering at this scale also depends on strong policy alignment and long-term stability. This week, I appeared before the provincial Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy to speak to Bill 98, the Fare Alignment and Seamless Transit Act. I expressed support for continued fare integration while emphasizing the importance of ongoing consultation, clear timelines, and sustained provincial funding to support the TTC and the transit system Toronto depends on.

This commitment to stability also extends to our relationship with employees. We continue to engage in negotiations with CUPE Local 2 and remain focused on reaching an agreement. Please continue to rely on official TTC channels, including www.ttc.ca/bargaining, internal e-mails, and employee TVs for accurate and timely information.

As One TTC, open and consistent communication matters. I welcome your feedback, and I thank you for the professionalism you bring to your work every day.

With gratitude and resolve,

Mandeep S. Lali
​Chief Executive Officer
​May 8, 2026