Office of the Chief Executive

Safety is more than a priority at the TTC. It is the foundation of every decision we make, every service we deliver, and every customer journey.

Whether you’re operating a vehicle, maintaining infrastructure, assisting customers, responding to incidents, planning service improvements, or supporting our teams behind the scenes, safety guides everything we do. It shapes our culture and underpins the trust our customers place in us every day.

It’s also reflected in how we lead. Many of our meetings and events begin with a safety moment, reminding us that each of us plays a role in protecting ourselves, our colleagues, and our customers.

This week, we’re recognizing Rail Safety Week, a reminder that safety is everyone’s responsibility and that a moment of caution can prevent a serious incident.

I had the opportunity to join our Safety and Environment, Community and Stakeholder Relations, and Special Constable teams at Union Station during one of our Rail Safety Week outreach events hosted in collaboration with Metrolinx. What stood out to me was the genuine engagement between our employees and customers. It was a reminder that some of the most important safety improvements begin with a conversation.

Those conversations are just as important within our organization. Safety is a shared responsibility, and some of our best ideas come directly from employees. If you have ideas or feedback, I’d welcome hearing from you.

A strong safety culture also means looking after one another, including supporting our mental health and well-being. Our new Workplace Trauma Awareness and Support Guide outlines resources available to employees and their families, including confidential support through EFAP, the Trauma Assist Program, and other services. I encourage you to take a few moments to review these resources and become familiar with the supports available.

Building and sustaining a safe system cannot be achieved by one group alone, we all play a part, and it requires ongoing participation, collaboration, and accountability across the organization. You are all at the heart of safety. Every safe journey is made possible by the dedication, professionalism, and expertise of TTC employees.

That's why I’m excited to introduce Inside the TTC, a new video series that shines a spotlight on the employees behind the uniform. Through authentic stories, the series highlights the many ways our employees support customers and contribute to safety across our system every day. Please take a few minutes to watch the first episode featuring Marvin and James, two of our Special Constables, and celebrate the colleagues who help keep our customers and communities safe.

A safe transit system is also built on empathy and looking out for one another and supporting the communities we serve. This commitment to our communities was on full display last Saturday at our Annual Open House at the Leslie Barns Complex.

Marking the first fundraising event of TTC’s 2026 United Way campaign, this event was not only a unique opportunity for the public to see firsthand the scale and complexity of our work, but also an opportunity to support an important cause that strengthens our communities. Over 1,500 people attended the event, providing a strong start to our fundraising efforts.

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, and helped organize this event. While the facility itself is impressive, it’s the passion, knowledge, and dedication of the people who work there that truly brought the experience to life.

Over the coming months, there will be many opportunities to support our United Way campaign. I encourage everyone to participate in whatever way they can as we continue working together to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.

Looking ahead, we’re excited and ready to launch the Scarborough Busway next week. This new dedicated bus corridor will provide faster and more reliable service between Kennedy and Ellesmere stations, improving the customer experience while supporting safe and dependable travel. It is an important milestone made possible through the hard work and collaboration of employees across the TTC.

Thank you for the role you play every day in keeping Toronto moving safely. By working together as One TTC, we continue to build a safer, stronger, and more reliable transit system for Toronto.

With gratitude and resolve,

Mandeep S. Lali
​Chief Executive Officer
​September 25, 2026