[W. K. Lis]

Used to be that the TTC employed its own people to take care of it. However, for "efficiencies" purposes, they turned to "staffing agencies" to fill them. Many of them are part-timers, but splitting the former full-time positions between them. (2 people working 4 hours each, instead of 1 person working 8 hours, for example.) Of course, the owners or shareholders would end up making the big bucks over the back of those who do the real work.

From link.

Confusion over breaks. No personal washroom keys. A temp worker at TTC alleges unfair conditions​

A TTC worker who was hired through a staffing agency says temporary employees aren't being treated fairly compared to those brought on directly by the transit agency, and that its reliance on third-party companies for some staffing has created an environment ripe for abuse.

CBC Toronto is protecting the worker's identity as they fear they could lose their job for speaking out about their alleged working conditions.

"We provide such a crucial service to the TTC and yet we're being treated less than any other position," said the TTC customer service representative, who works in various subway stations to help riders navigate the system.

The worker said they decided to speak about their concerns after they received an email on June 30 from TalentWorld, the staffing and recruitment agency who hired them and placed them at the TTC, updating employees on break rules.

In this email from TalentWorld to its TTC temporary workers, the staffing agency explains the break structure. TalentWorld's parent agency, GardaWorld, has since told CBC the 15-minute break is a "miscommunication". (CBC)

The email, viewed by CBC Toronto, says a 15-minute paid break will be given to those who work anywhere from five hours to seven hours and 59 minutes. Under Ontario's Employment Standards Act, all workers, regardless of status, are entitled to one 30-minute unpaid break for a shift of that length — not 15 minutes.

TalentWorld notes in the email that the break structure "comes directly from the TTC."

'We just feel undervalued': worker​

The worker said for the last month, they and their co-workers have been operating under the impression they are only entitled to a 15-minute break for five to eight hours of work.

The employee also alleges that temp workers do not have their own keys to TTC staff bathrooms and must use public washrooms if full-time TTC staff are not around to unlock the door for them.

"Those bathrooms are for TTC staff and the public cannot access them, they said. "If we're at downtown stations, we're told to use the Eaton Centre."

Sometimes, they also have to pay to enter a subway station if an attendant isn't present because temporary staff aren't given an all-access Presto card to enter their workplaces like full-time staff are, the worker said.

"We willingly stand for upwards of 12 hours at times and we want to provide such a great service to the residents of Toronto who have to deal with disruptions to the commutes," they said. "And we just feel undervalued."

TTC says email doesn't reflect requirements​

In emailed statements to CBC News, a spokesperson for the TTC said the email from TalentWorld regarding a 15-minute break "does not accurately reflect the contract requirements between the TTC and TalentWorld."

Stuart Green, senior communication specialist for the TTC, said the transit agency does provide a 30-minute break for those who work five to eight hours.

"The information you have is not reflective of TTC contractual requirements. We are confident that the contractors are in fact meeting their obligations," said Green. "However, in view of your email, we are reminding them of this in the event there is miscommunication circulating."

Green said the TTC exceeds what's required under the Employment Standards Act by paying temporary employees for 15 minutes of their 30-minute break.

When it comes to the staff washrooms, Green said temporary workers "don't have keys but would be given access" by TTC employees. He also said no worker, including temporary workers, have to pay to enter the stations to work.

"All stations have collectors or TTC staff [customer service agents] to let them in," said Green.

But the employee who spoke to CBC Toronto said that's not always the case. Temporary workers sometimes have to pay to enter stations when an attendant isn't present, they said.

CBC News reviewed the worker's Presto card history and shift history and observed they occasionally paid a fare at the start of shifts at stations they were assigned to.

Staffing agency says miscommunication 'rectified'​

In a statement to CBC Toronto, GardaWorld, a security firm that owns TalentWorld, said that the staffing agency's email about breaks was "the result of a miscommunication which has since been rectified."

As for washroom keys, GardaWorld said "keys are centralized at each station to ensure access control" and that employees have access to washrooms at "all times."

But it added that "in the rare and unlikely instance where they are not able to access a station facility, they are directed to available public washrooms."

Regardless of whether a communication issue occurred around breaks, agencies like TalentWorld have a role to play in advocating for employees, the worker who spoke to CBC Toronto said.

TTC 'should be setting a high bar': lawyer​

Ella Bedard, a lawyer and organizer with the Workers' Action Centre, an advocacy agency for employee rights, agrees.

Both the TTC and TalentWorld have a responsibility to "pay close attention" to what's occurring in the workplace, said Bedard.

"[It] is particularly upsetting to hear that it's happening at the TTC because the TTC is a public service," she added.

For the TTC, using temporary employees provides it with flexibility, its spokesperson said.

"Using contracted temporary [customer service representatives] allows us flexibility to only bring in staff as needed for short-term closures. Direct hires would be more expensive when salaries and benefits are factored in and we would not have as much flexibility to bring in more people as needed," said Green.

But Bedard said the centre has received calls from TTC temporary employees over the past few years with concerns over scheduling and not being given enough hours.

"[The TTC] should be setting a high bar for employment standards, not allowing the bar to be lowered and slipped below what's supposed to be just the minimum floor of entitlements for all workers," she said.

The union representing TTC workers meanwhile says the transit agency hiring people through staffing organizations prevents the union from advocating for those employees.

"That is why going around a union does not protect workers," said Marvin Alfred, president of ATU Local 113.

"We would like for the people that are populating transit worker positions to be local, unionized labour because I think that is the best way to deliver that service reliably to the public."

Relying on any third-party staffing is a concern, said Bedard and Alfred, as it can mean less accountability for an employer and less oversight over the working conditions of some employees.

Neither the TTC nor TalentWorld would say how many temporary workers are employed by the TTC.

 

[T3G]

Expect TIFF to worsen the carnage on the downtown tram network.

Streetcar Service Changes

www.ttc.ca

This year’s Toronto International Film Festival (Sept. 7 to 17, 2023) will affect this route. More information will be shared when available

In a decidedly Torontonian fashion, no one had the spine to tell them to kick rocks.

 

[W. K. Lis]

We don't need platform screen doors on the TTC. What can go wrong? We can save money by not putting them in.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1691187421692510209

---

Electric third rail shocks two Lollapalooza attendees taking selfies on Chicago train tracks​

See link.

Horrifying footage shows the moment two Lollapalooza-goers were shocked by the third rail of a Chicago train - after entering the unauthorized area to take a series of photos.

Disturbing video circulating on social media shows the pair - as well as another member of their group - sitting on tracks and attempting to take a selfie, before a male member of the party leans back and is zapped with 600 volts.

He is then seen hauling a girl next to him on top of himself as he goes rigid with pain, shocking her in the process. The incident at 7.30pm left both victims, an unnamed man and woman, hospitalized on August 5, with the former in critical condition.

Neither have been identified, but first responders who rushed to the scene, at Chicago Transit Authority's Ridgeland Green Line station to rescue the pair said they are both in their 20s.

The two, who officials said had been making their way to the festival in Grant Park, were ultimately pulled off the rail by another member of the group, who managed to avoid being seriously electrocute but appeared to brave at least one shock while trying to rescue his companions.

In the now circulating footage, the duo are seen going limp after sitting on the dangerous, current-providing rail, through which a constant stream of voltage is funneled perpetually.

He is seen fighting through what appear to be a series of shocks himself as he struggles to heave his companions' dead weight - eventually doing with the help of several other straphangers, apparent horrified by what they have seen.

The footage is incredibly graphic, and shows how the travelers had gone onto the tracks to take pictures, with the girl - who was also hospitalized but was said to be 'improving' on August 6 - at a point appearing to take a selfie.

Seconds later, the man to her right is seen succumbing to the sudden surge of electricity, violently shaking before latching onto the girl.

At this point, the pair are seen growing stiff - a common consequence of receiving such a charge, given the number usually associated with a fatal dose is around 50 volts.

As the two fall back and continue to write on the rail, the other member of the group eventually realizes what's happening, and for roughly half a minute struggles to move his friends away from the electrified rail.

The task, however, proves Herculean given the weight of their inert bodies, spurring others to jump down and eventually move the pair.

The incident all happened within the span of a minute, at approximately 7:24pm, causing the male to go into cardiac arrest, officials from the Oak Park Fire Department who were deployed to the scene later said.

He was carted off unconscious to Loyola University Medical Center in critical condition, where he remained the next day.

The girl, meanwhile, sustained less serious injuries, officials said, and was still conscious when first responders arrived.

She was also rushed to Loyola, where the next day officials said her condition looked to be 'improving.'

At the time, town officials aired the belief that contrary to what witnesses said at the time, she may not have been shocked while trying to assist her friend.

The footage seen circulating this week seems to substantiate this, and shows how she was stricken after her companion latched onto her after being shocked.

'The scene was turned back over to the CTA [Chicago Transit Authority] Saturday night and trains were running again within about an hour of the OPFD response,' fire officials further added at the time.

In an update Monday, officials from the Village of Oak Park - a suburb in Cook County adjacent to Chicago - confirmed to DailyMail.com that they are aware of the footage's existence, and that it is indeed circulating on social media.

In that offering, Oak Park Fire Department officials added that they could not provide an update on the conditions of the two people who had been hospitalized, and instead pointed to a statement offered Sunday, August 6.

'I cannot provide any update on their conditions at this time,' the spokesperson said after being asked about the current state of those stricken.

'The last update we received, which was early last week, is precisely as you indicated.

'The male victim was listed in critical condition and the female was improving. The Village is aware of a social media post reportedly containing video of the incident.

'We do not have any additional comment at this time.'

The harrowing footage harks back to an earlier incident in the Windy City that saw another Chicago commuter electrocuted, but saved by another straphanger who also leaped into action to rescue him while he was unconscious.

The incident happened this past summer, on the Chicago Transit Authority's sister train, the Red Line.

In that case, the heart-pounding instance was also captured on camera, and showed 20-year-old Anthony Perry dropping down to rescue the rigor mortis-afflicted individual after he was administered 600 volts.

'The guy didn’t have no control over his body,' Perry told CBS News Chicago at the time, after selflessly jumping below to save the man’s life, risking getting shocked through the victim's stricken body in the process.

'I did hear somebody say as I got on the track, "Don’t touch him!”' he remembered, before being rewarded a car from the city for his heroics.

'I could’ve kept walking, but I was like, you know what? I’m not going to keep walking because God wouldn’t want me to do that so I took action immediately.'

In that case, the man who was electrified also sustained serious injuries, but eventually recovered.

As for the recent incident, DailyMail.com has asked local fire officials to pr

 

[yrt+viva=1system]

We don't need platform screen doors on the TTC. What can go wrong? We can save money by not putting them in.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1691187421692510209

---

Electric third rail shocks two Lollapalooza attendees taking selfies on Chicago train tracks​

See link.

Honestly, the amount of stupidity that I have seen of late is crazy. I can't say it's due to a single factor but TikTok is definitely a big contributor.

 

[DSC]

We don't need platform screen doors on the TTC. What can go wrong? We can save money by not putting them in.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1691187421692510209

---

Electric third rail shocks two Lollapalooza attendees taking selfies on Chicago train tracks​

See link.

These guys are clearly none too bright and disconnected from reality - if there were platform edge doors they would doubtless do other stupid and potentially fatal things. Maybe it's just natural selection at work!

 

[W. K. Lis]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1691546242302558208

 

[Richard White]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1691546242302558208

It used to be that light duty employees performed this work.

My father did it for awhile when he worked for TTC. They would have operators who could not operate a vehicle for whatever reason stand at stations to act as customer service ambassadors, giving directions, etc.

 

[W. K. Lis]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1691547255201742849

 

[RapidTransit]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1691547255201742849

TTC had tested their own, in house fare machines. If I remember correctly, they had buses on routes 31 Greenwood and I think 72 Pape. And on a streetcar route 506. You swiped the Metro pass, and I believe they wanted to eventually expand it to open fare payments. But all that happened the last year of David millers term.
And as well all know, Ontario liberal government forced Presto on TTC.

I think TTC was also looking into a new fare media payment other than Presto by 2027. But who knows if that will ever happen.

I really hope Olivia Chow and the TTc baked brings in a CEO that understands TTC. Even if that means bringing back someone that left.

I'm not too familiar with current CEO or GM in surrounding transit agencies, but I'd be curious to see who exactly is out there that might be good as TTC CEO. But local instead of international. There's more than enough talent locally that I'm confident will do a great job.

 

[11th]

TTC had tested their own, in house fare machines. If I remember correctly, they had buses on routes 31 Greenwood and I think 72 Pape. And on a streetcar route 506. You swiped the Metro pass, and I believe they wanted to eventually expand it to open fare payments. But all that happened the last year of David millers term.
And as well all know, Ontario liberal government forced Presto on TTC.

I think TTC was also looking into a new fare media payment other than Presto by 2027. But who knows if that will ever happen.

I really hope Olivia Chow and the TTc baked brings in a CEO that understands TTC. Even if that means bringing back someone that left.

I'm not too familiar with current CEO or GM in surrounding transit agencies, but I'd be curious to see who exactly is out there that might be good as TTC CEO. But local instead of international. There's more than enough talent locally that I'm confident will do a great job.

Isn't that less likely to happen if the region moves towards fare integration?

 

[Northern Light]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1691546242302558208

Funny all these comments on the TTC from Adam all of a sudden; dont'cha think so, @RapidTransit

 

[drum118]

No express buses this year

TTC adds service for customers heading to the CNE

August 16, 2023

Beginning Fri., Aug. 18 until Mon., Sept. 4, the TTC will be increasing service for the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) to help customers get to and from the festivities as quickly and easily as possible.

Several TTC surface routes will have enhanced service, while select others will be changing to accommodate the increased volume of vehicles. There will also be additional customer service support at high-traffic TTC locations to direct customers to the most suitable route.

Service changes are as follows:

29 Dufferin/929 Dufferin Express: Service will be increased on this route. Dedicated CNE express shuttle buses will run non-stop between Dufferin Station and Dufferin Gate Loop.

509 Harbourfront: Will have additional, frequent streetcar service between Union Station and Exhibition Loop.

510 Spadina: Will operate between Spadina Station and Spadina Ave./Queen's Quay daily from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. during the CNE. Customers who need to connect to Union Station during those times can take advantage of the more frequent 509 service which also stops at Spadina Ave./Queen's Quay.

511 Bathurst: Will have additional, frequent service between Bathurst Station and Exhibition Loop. CNE express shuttle buses will also operate between Bathurst Station and Exhibition Loop.

On Sat., Aug. 19, the TTC is proud to offer free transit to active members of the Canadian military and veterans, along with one companion, to commemorate the 100th Annual CNE Warrior’s Day. Veterans and peacekeepers will be asked to show their service medals/ribbons to receive free TTC service.

The TTC is committed to keeping customers informed about work and events that impact service and about alternate routes. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.ttc.ca, follow @TTCNotices on Twitter or sign up for e-Alerts.

 

[W. K. Lis]

No express buses this year

TTC adds service for customers heading to the CNE

August 16, 2023

Beginning Fri., Aug. 18 until Mon., Sept. 4, the TTC will be increasing service for the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) to help customers get to and from the festivities as quickly and easily as possible.

Several TTC surface routes will have enhanced service, while select others will be changing to accommodate the increased volume of vehicles. There will also be additional customer service support at high-traffic TTC locations to direct customers to the most suitable route.

Service changes are as follows:

29 Dufferin/929 Dufferin Express: Service will be increased on this route. Dedicated CNE express shuttle buses will run non-stop between Dufferin Station and Dufferin Gate Loop.

509 Harbourfront: Will have additional, frequent streetcar service between Union Station and Exhibition Loop.

510 Spadina: Will operate between Spadina Station and Spadina Ave./Queen's Quay daily from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. during the CNE. Customers who need to connect to Union Station during those times can take advantage of the more frequent 509 service which also stops at Spadina Ave./Queen's Quay.

511 Bathurst: Will have additional, frequent service between Bathurst Station and Exhibition Loop. CNE express shuttle buses will also operate between Bathurst Station and Exhibition Loop.

On Sat., Aug. 19, the TTC is proud to offer free transit to active members of the Canadian military and veterans, along with one companion, to commemorate the 100th Annual CNE Warrior’s Day. Veterans and peacekeepers will be asked to show their service medals/ribbons to receive free TTC service.

The TTC is committed to keeping customers informed about work and events that impact service and about alternate routes. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.ttc.ca, follow @TTCNotices on Twitter or sign up for e-Alerts.

Guess we'll have to wait for the Ontario Line to take us to Exhibition Station.

 

[Richard White]

No express buses this year

TTC adds service for customers heading to the CNE

August 16, 2023

Beginning Fri., Aug. 18 until Mon., Sept. 4, the TTC will be increasing service for the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) to help customers get to and from the festivities as quickly and easily as possible.

Several TTC surface routes will have enhanced service, while select others will be changing to accommodate the increased volume of vehicles. There will also be additional customer service support at high-traffic TTC locations to direct customers to the most suitable route.

Service changes are as follows:

29 Dufferin/929 Dufferin Express: Service will be increased on this route. Dedicated CNE express shuttle buses will run non-stop between Dufferin Station and Dufferin Gate Loop.

509 Harbourfront: Will have additional, frequent streetcar service between Union Station and Exhibition Loop.

510 Spadina: Will operate between Spadina Station and Spadina Ave./Queen's Quay daily from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. during the CNE. Customers who need to connect to Union Station during those times can take advantage of the more frequent 509 service which also stops at Spadina Ave./Queen's Quay.

511 Bathurst: Will have additional, frequent service between Bathurst Station and Exhibition Loop. CNE express shuttle buses will also operate between Bathurst Station and Exhibition Loop.

On Sat., Aug. 19, the TTC is proud to offer free transit to active members of the Canadian military and veterans, along with one companion, to commemorate the 100th Annual CNE Warrior’s Day. Veterans and peacekeepers will be asked to show their service medals/ribbons to receive free TTC service.

The TTC is committed to keeping customers informed about work and events that impact service and about alternate routes. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.ttc.ca, follow @TTCNotices on Twitter or sign up for e-Alerts.

It literally says "Dedicated CNE express shuttle buses will run non-stop between Dufferin Station and Dufferin Gate Loop"

 

[W. K. Lis]

No express buses this year

TTC adds service for customers heading to the CNE

August 16, 2023

Beginning Fri., Aug. 18 until Mon., Sept. 4, the TTC will be increasing service for the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) to help customers get to and from the festivities as quickly and easily as possible.

Several TTC surface routes will have enhanced service, while select others will be changing to accommodate the increased volume of vehicles. There will also be additional customer service support at high-traffic TTC locations to direct customers to the most suitable route.

Service changes are as follows:

29 Dufferin/929 Dufferin Express: Service will be increased on this route. Dedicated CNE express shuttle buses will run non-stop between Dufferin Station and Dufferin Gate Loop.

509 Harbourfront: Will have additional, frequent streetcar service between Union Station and Exhibition Loop.

510 Spadina: Will operate between Spadina Station and Spadina Ave./Queen's Quay daily from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. during the CNE. Customers who need to connect to Union Station during those times can take advantage of the more frequent 509 service which also stops at Spadina Ave./Queen's Quay.

511 Bathurst: Will have additional, frequent service between Bathurst Station and Exhibition Loop. CNE express shuttle buses will also operate between Bathurst Station and Exhibition Loop.

On Sat., Aug. 19, the TTC is proud to offer free transit to active members of the Canadian military and veterans, along with one companion, to commemorate the 100th Annual CNE Warrior’s Day. Veterans and peacekeepers will be asked to show their service medals/ribbons to receive free TTC service.

The TTC is committed to keeping customers informed about work and events that impact service and about alternate routes. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.ttc.ca, follow @TTCNotices on Twitter or sign up for e-Alerts.

If we had REAL transit priority traffic signals, we would be closer to an "express" streetcar service. Better that what we currently have where the single-occupant automobile gets priority over the 100+ on board the streetcars. Banning street parking for automobiles on streetcar routes would be a start.