TTC chair Adam Giambrone says he will be staying on as TTC chair, but would not comment about the events that caused him to abandon his mayoral ambitions last week.

"There was no issues at the commission," he said, when asked how much support he had to stay on as TTC chair. "I'm excited to be back at work at the TTC. There's lots to do … transit is important to the city."

Giambrone reportedly went to France for a number of days with his long-time partner Sarah McQuarrie to try and repair their relationship after he publicly admitted to multiple affairs.

However, at least one city councillor thinks Giambrone should be investigated for allegedly giving former paramour Kristen Lucas, a 20-year-old university student, advance word of a TTC fare hike.

The city's code of conduct for members of council calls on them to conduct their private lives in a way that withstands close public scrutiny. In addition, they are not to disclose any confidential information acquired through their office.

Coun. Ron Moeser (Ward 44, Scarborough East), a member of the TTC board, said an investigation is needed.

"If that's the case, we should look at whether he should stay as chair," he said, adding the question should most likely be investigated by the city's integrity commissioner.

However, Moeser couldn’t say whether integrity commissioner Janet Leiper is investigating. CTV Toronto has attempted to reach Leiper for comment.

Hospitality expert

An expert in the hospitality industry is set to chair a new TTC advisory panel that will focus on improving relations between front-line staff and unhappy commuters -- a situation that has boiled over in recent weeks.

"This has been, yes, a difficult month, couple of months at the TTC," admitted Coun. Joe Mihevc (Ward 21, St. Paul's), the TTC's vice-chair. "We hear the call now at the TTC that we need to up the ante around customer service."

Steve O'Brien, the general manager of One King West Hotel and Residence and a 30-year veteran of the hospitality industry, will head the group and will help hand-pick panel members.

He has worked with Hilton International, Delta Hotels and Resorts, Marriott Hotels and Resorts and Ramada Canada. He has also served on several councils focusing on customer service and branding. He will be working for free.

O'Brien's appointment is the TTC's first step in addressing a recent bevy of customer complaints against staff and the general level of service in the public transit system.

"Obviously the industries are different, but we're all in the people business," he told reporters. "And at the end of the day, no matter what we do, it's about the guest experience. It's about making that a positive one."

The customer service advisory panel is expected to conduct community meetings, speak to consultants and draw from experts before eventually creating a "Bill of Rights" for commuters.

The panel is expected to report to the public with its recommendations by June 30.

However, the president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 quickly took aim at O'Brien, in part for living out in Milton.

"We would have ensured it's a Torontonian who utilizes the TTC, who has experience with the TTC," Bob Kinnear told reporters.

Giambrone said TTC staff won't be on the committee, "but they will obviously play a role in answering questions and providing the information."

With reports from CTV Toronto's Tom Hayes and Janice Golding