TTC union calls for new policy that would temporarily halt service during some major snow events
A union representing TTC workers is calling for a new policy that could temporarily halt service during some major snow events after more than 500 buses were left stranded on the roads during Monday’s storm.
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 made the request in a news release issued on Tuesday afternoon.
They said that “as result of the TTC’s lack of planning” a total of 540 buses got stuck on local roads on Monday, leaving some drivers stranded for up to 10 hours.
About 300 to 400 of those buses were still stuck as of Tuesday morning, according to the TTC.
“While the TTC doesn’t control the weather, the snowstorm revealed major gaps in how the TTC deals with severe winter weather conditions,” ATU Local 113 President Marvin Alfred said in the release. “To protect workers and riders, ATU Local 113 calls on the TTC to be better prepared for snowstorms by implementing a service plan in which vehicle accumulation levels are assessed and a hazardous service level is determined. Once that level is reached, the TTC must pause service to allow road crews to plow roads so buses and streetcars can keep Torontonians moving safely.”
Monday’s storm dumped 36 centimetres of snow on the city and caused significant issues for the TTC, with service being shuttered along large stretches of both the Line 1 and 2 subway line for hours.
Service also had to be cancelled on the above-ground Scarborough RT due to the treacherous conditions.
In their release, ATU Local 113 pointed out that many of the buses that got into trouble weren’t able to negotiate hills at York Mills Road and Avenue Road, which are “known areas that are affected by poor weather conditions.”
They said that the TTC’s communications system was also “ineffective” during the storm with calls for help from some operators going unanswered.
“The TTC’s lack of a proper contingency plan that addresses impact, order and risk mitigation is concerning and unacceptable, especially for a major city like Toronto that depends on public transit,” Alfred said. “ATU Local 113 members and our riders, who depend on safe and reliable service, must be the TTC’s top priority.”
Speaking with CP24 earlier on Tuesday, TTC spokesperson Stuart Green said that a “deeper dive” will be conducted to determine what transpired on Monday but only after service is fully restored.
He said that the TTC does have winter protocols in place but with a storm as significant as Monday’s the weather can sometimes “get ahead of you.”
“I think everyone appreciates that yesterday was a record setting snow storm,” he said. “We do have winter protocols in place, a lot of them were used but sometimes the weather just gets ahead of you.”
ATU Local 113 represents approximately 12,000 TTC workers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.