yrt+viva=1system
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A great interview! Touches on Andy Byford's job history at various transit systems and more.
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Some interesting things he talks about:A great interview! Touches on Andy Byford's job history at various transit systems and more.
Some interesting things he talks about:
Years (35+) of public service in transit, he wanted to do something for his wife (she kept following where he was going)...she was still in New York hence why he moved to Amtrak.
- The TTC is the best transit system in the world
- I like to go somewhere where there is a big mess or challenge
- [When I arrived at the TTC] the stations looked like they haven't been cleaned in months
- You cannot run a transit system behind a desk
- You must back your frontline colleagues
- I will always love the people there [Toronto/TTC]
- I loved Rob ford .... outstanding councilor....got his basics right...I'm honored and proud to have met the man and I know his brother
He often mentioned wanting to do something different - I get the sense he is often on the move and always wanting to try new things...He also talks about wanting to be in roles for about 3-5 years...so before you all wish he were the new CEO for the TTC, he's only been with Amtrak for just over a year and a half...some final quotes:
"It would really take me something persuasive to get me to leave Amtrak...[I want to end my career] here at Amtrak"
"It would take something very very special [to take on something else]"
"We bought a beautiful home [in Florida]"
"I'm hoping...that my last day on the job [career?] would be stepping off a Shinkansen on either Dallas or Houston..."
Andy is coming up on 60 years old.
Agree. While watching I couldn't help thinking that he should have Versters position. I feel like we'd get the communication piece right.The first thing I would say is that I just don't see Andy Byford doing true retirement. At least not unless his mind or body dictate otherwise. David Gunn, the other great from TTC CEO (then General Manager), kept his foot in the door F/T for quite awhile but then still consulted and did 'acting' stints thereafter.
I think for the true 'Go Getter', there is always a need for a challenge and to feel useful. Gunn exited Amtrak at the age of 68, then became a consultant for WMATA in 2010 at the age of 73.
Do I think we could lure Byford back for the TTC alone? Probably not. I think if we could offer Metrolinx and the TTC, a sort of transit czar position, he might raise an eyebrow; personally though, I'd love to bring him in as City Manager, we'd probably have to double the pay and expand the authority of the job, but I'd be down w/that. I think his remaking of the senior civil service would a huge benefit. That's probably not on.........but one can dream.
This is the dream tbh.The first thing I would say is that I just don't see Andy Byford doing true retirement. At least not unless his mind or body dictate otherwise. David Gunn, the other great former TTC CEO (then General Manager), kept his foot in the door F/T for quite awhile but then still consulted and did 'acting' stints thereafter.
I think for the true 'Go Getter', there is always a need for a challenge and to feel useful. Gunn exited Amtrak at the age of 68, then became a consultant for WMATA in 2010 at the age of 73.
Do I think we could lure Byford back for the TTC alone? Probably not. I think if we could offer Metrolinx and the TTC, a sort of transit czar position, he might raise an eyebrow; personally though, I'd love to bring him in as City Manager, we'd probably have to double the pay and expand the authority of the job, but I'd be down w/that. I think his remaking of the senior civil service would a huge benefit. That's probably not on.........but one can dream.
This was fantastic! Thanks for sharing.A great interview! Touches on Andy Byford's job history at various transit systems and more.
TTC eyes changes to fare evasion penalties
A proposed package of TTC fare evasion changes includes a different penalty structure and a crack down on child cards.www.thestar.com
Even if that was politically feasible which is really isn't, the ttc needs to drastically increase fares, does anyone else think about that $40 billion hole in the ttc state of good repair and capital upgrades as often as I do?The proposed package (the piece omits some details) is good as far as it goes.
But I will once again come back to the idea that I would like to eliminate all fare concessions (12 and under free, should be 3 and under (if a parent can carry you / you're in a stroller, you're free), but otherwise everyone pays the same fare.....)
But the savings from a vastly simpler system, no seniors passes, no youth passes, no student passes, no low income pass, no cash fare (debit permitted) etc. could be reinvested as a lower fare.
$3 per ride for everyone, 40 ride cap per month, so $120 per month max (below the current senior/student/youth and low-income pass rates, and a huge cut for adult riders). All that plus a 3-hour trip window for the simplicity of matching GO.
It's about damn time. It only took 5 years after the Jaye Robinson (RIP) introduced the motion, and 3 years after the PC government made the legislation for this to happen.Ran across this tender on Merx that I thought was worth sharing:
From the above:
View attachment 594970
Mid-tender comment; remember to watch out for the cowboys when exiting the streetcar:
View attachment 594971
Even if that was politically feasible which is really isn't, the ttc needs to drastically increase fares, does anyone else think about that $40 billion hole in the ttc state of good repair and capital upgrades as often as I do?
Also both Seniors and low-income people would be very much loudly opposed to it. it would never happen